Deputy Prime Minister for EU integration and Minister of Science and Technology Bozidar Djelic stated today addressing the Europe Forum in Berlin that countries moving towards EU membership have certain obligations but Europe too must determine its obligations towards these countries.

Djelic, who was the only representative at the Forum of a country that is still not a member of the EU, stated to the Fonet news agency that Serbia was honoured by the invitation to participate in this prestigious European conference.

Djelic said that during his address at the Forum which was held at the German Foreign Ministry, he shared ideas about strengthening Europe with other conference participants.

He said that he did not talk only about Serbia and the Balkans, adding that he pointed to the importance of having strict standards for EU enlargement and expressed his conviction that meeting these membership conditions will produce positive results.

It is very significant that during this difficult period, while Germany is preparing to provide €22 billion to Greece in assistance, Serbia has a low external debt of 32% of GDP, a small budget deficit, as well as a very stable banking system, he said.

Top German and European officials should be aware of the fact that the Serbian people have managed to accomplish this as a result of their own efforts and sacrifices, stressed Djelic.

This was the 13th Europe Forum. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle and Finance Minister Wolfgang Schäuble attended the Forum.

European Commission President José Manuel Barroso also joined the Forum via video link.