Last week in Brussels, NIS celebrated the opening of its corporate representation to the European Union.

The festive launch ceremony was hosted by the top management of NIS and its main shareholders, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Vuk Jeremic on behalf of Serbian government and permanent representative of Russian Federation to the EU Vladimir Chizhov.

The event gathered officials from EU institutions as well as peers and stakeholders. NIS is the first company from Serbia to open a permanent business representation in Brussels.

Mr. Kirill Kravchenko, CEO of NIS, said: ”The EU is of strategic importance for the economic development of Serbia. This is why NIS and its main shareholders – the Serbian government and Gazprom Neft – are keen to initiate a permanent dialogue between the Serbian oil and gas sector and the European institutions.

NIS supports the economic integration and political accession of Serbia to the EU and has realised enormous investments in order to adapt its facilities to EU standards – for example by modernising its refinery in Pancevo.

In addition, NIS already has the institutional European investors. This year the company has started realization of the projects in EU countries – Romania and Hungary-, our first step as a contribution to the development of the EU economy. By entering the EU market we create jobs, revenues, develop technology and partnerships with the largest European companies. Our new representation in Brussels will help us to complement this process through a constructive dialogue with EU decision-makers.”

The opening of a representation in Brussels is a part of NIS’ business strategy to reach a leading position in the oil and gas sector of the region by applying EU standards and the most advanced technologies in its business operations. NIS representatives in Brussels will follow relevant EU legislation and contribute to Europe’s debate in the field of energy, emission abatement and the protection of the environment.

Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic said on June 23, at the opening of an Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS) branch office in Brussels, that it was natural for companies wanting to be leaders in Serbia to be represented in the seat of the European Union, where "Europe's energy policy will be shaped in the upcoming years."

"Serbia wants to join the EU, this is our government's strategic priority, so it is natural that companies who aspire to be number one in Serbia are represented here," said Jeremic at a reception in the Sofitel hotel in Brussels attended by EU officials, business representatives and diplomats.