Members of the European Union's Co-ordination Group for the Western Balkans (COWEB) started today their three-day mission to Serbia, during which they will meet Serbian state authorities, including President Tadic and the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament Ms. Slavica Đukić Dejanović, the judiciary and representatives of civil society, business community and think tanks.

The goal of the mission is to get a first-hand view of Serbia's progress in the European integration process and to discuss with state officials and independent state agencies Serbia's European perspectives.

They will also discuss the state of affairs in political and economic reforms which should bring Serbia step by step closer to the EU. The three-day programme in Belgrade should provide a comprehensive update on the various aspects and developments within the Serbian society.

The significant progress that Serbia made in 2009 which resulted in the introduction of visa liberalisation for Serbian citizens, the coming into force of the Interim Agreement and Serbia's application for membership prompted this mission. It will asses and discuss with all layers of political and economic life in Serbia the way ahead and the future of Serbia – EU relations.

This year brings opportunities but also challenges for Serbia – the focus of Serbian political debate is on the possible Council decision on the start of the ratification of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement and the preparation of the Commission’s Opinion.

At the same time, there is an intense discussion on the country's future socio-economic policy to ensure sustainable recovery from the global economic and financial crisis.

COWEB comprises diplomats from the Member States' permanent representations to the EU who are responsible for policy co-ordination for the Western Balkans. The current mission to Serbia is the first of its kind since 2000.