The memorandum on the promotion of cooperation between Serbia and the German federal state of Baden-Wuerttemberg was signed today in Belgrade, after a two-days’ work of the Joint Commission focusing on cooperation opportunities in tourism, IT industry, energy, water management, environmental protection, police work and education all of which should lead to an increase in the employment rates.

The memorandum was signed at the Palace of Serbia by Serbia’s Minister of Trade, Tourism and Telecommunications Rasim Ljajić and Baden-Wuerttemberg’s Minister for the Bundesrat (Federal Council), Europe and International Affairs Peter Friedrich. Friedrich signaled that the German federal state will provide assistance to Serbia in the areas of judiciary reform and establishment of the rule of law, development of small and medium-sized enterprises, science and culture.

Minister Ljajić said that the Commission operated in six working groups and expressed his gratitude to Baden-Wuerttemberg for the support in the EU integration process. He noted that assistance was considered in the areas of public administration reform and strengthening the capacities of local self-governments, and thanked the German federal state for the aid in energy sources and flood prevention.

The Commission also considered assistance to Serbia in the preparations for chapters 23 and 24. Ljajić noted that the German federal state provided 50,000 euros to fund the water purification project in Stara Pazova, adding that Serbia will be able to access another 39,000 euros through IPA funds.

The Joint Commission drew up a concrete activity plan for 2015, which includes joint tourist offers as part of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region, expert and student exchange, and the launching of new projects.

Friedrich said that the cooperation established through the Commission has proved successful, adding that Baden-Wuerttemberg, as “the most European” German federal state, provides strong support for Serbia in the EU integration process, both in terms of accession negotiations and through investments, which are aimed at helping Serbia become a part of the EU market.

The future cooperation will focus on the young, stressed Friedrich, noting that a number of gatherings will be organized for students from both states.

Friedrich pointed out that Baden-Wuerttemberg is interested in providing support to minority groups in Serbia, Roma in particular, and announced that this will be the topic of the conference in Ulm scheduled for next year.