Serbian Deputy Prime Minister for EU Integration Bozidar Djelic stated Sunday that the past still burdens the economic cooperation with the former Yugoslav republics, especially with Croatia and added that in the future, bilateral relations must be based on rational foundations.

“The past can be understood, and then placed in a certain context, and from then on states have to act reasonably,” Djelic told Tanjug.

He drew attention to significant problems in economic cooperation with Slovenia, including the infringement of the rights of pensioners living in Serbia who earned their pensions in Slovenia.

“Now, the issue has been resolved,” Djelic said.

“Croatia has invested around EUR 600 million in Serbia. Its companies are holding the strategic domains - the vital elements of our construction industry, trade and agribusiness. On the other hand, no Serbian investor has managed to establish or buy a firm in Croatia," said Djelic who took part in the recent summit of business leaders in Arandjelovac.

Furthermore, Croatia does not respect provisions of the succession, the deputy prime minister said.

“Objectively speaking, these are not the indicators that Croatia really wants to cooperate with our country. It remains to be seen whether the situation will change in the coming months,” Djelic said.