Deputy Prime Minister for European Integration Bozidar Djelic expressed his belief this morning that Serbia will reach the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which first of all envisages that Serbia’s budget deficit does not exceed 3.2% of GDP, in accordance with fiscal rules.

Speaking on Radio Television Serbia, Djelic said that reaching this agreement is in the interest of citizens of Serbia and the IMF because it is important for this financial institution that there is macro economic stability in the Balkans.

He explained that the signing of this agreement in these difficult times for the capital market would open the door for Serbia to issue its first Eurobond in the international capital markets.

This would allow for the budget to be formed and implemented without delays, like previous years.

The Deputy Prime Minister recalled that three years ago Serbia was the first country in the region which asked to sign the arrangement with the IMF, which helped her to maintain stability.

Speaking about the forthcoming visit of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Belgrade, Djelic expressed his hope that the German Chancellor will express support to Serbia's European path and to the strengthening of economic ties between the two countries.

He also announced the visits of the Minister for European Affairs of Great Britain to Belgrade on 22 September and the Minister for European Affairs of France on 8 October.

In the meantime, the Serbia – EU Forum will be held, organised by the Serbian government, under the auspices of President Boris Tadic, who will open this event together with President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, Djelic specified.

In his opinion, this event will be an opportunity to make a survey on what has been done and what is yet to be done before the European Commission passes its opinion on Serbia’s candidacy on 12 October and before it sets the date for the beginning of accession talks on 9 December.

Djelic said that after the European Commission passes its opinion, he will start a great European tour because Serbia needs the support of all 27 EU member states.