Cooperation Strategy Serbia 2010 - 2013 - Deza - admin.ch

SERBIA 2010-2013
3. Strategic orientation 2010-2013
The overall goal of European integration and
the four domains of the Cooperation Strategy
2007-2009 (see chapter 2) remain well in line
with current government priorities, as formulated
in several strategic documents and confirmed by
the Serbian Ministry of Finance. This, along with
long-term partnerships yielding tangible results
and a relatively stable context, provides a sound
basis for the future. Consequently, there is no
need for the programme to be reoriented substantially.
What is required is rather a refinement
of thematic priorities and certain adjustments in
approaches and work modalities.
Europe provides the legal basis, and funding
derives from the frame credit on the Continuation
of Cooperation with Eastern Europe and the
Commonwealth of Independent States approved
in 2007.
Finally, the international points of reference are
the Millennium Development Goals and the Paris
Declaration on Aid Effectiveness, with the related
Accra Agenda for Action.
Based on these parameters, the Cooperation
Strategy 2010-2013 has been designed with the
following objectives framework and related programme
structure.
3.1 Overall strategic
framework
Serbia has experienced considerable economic
growth in recent years and is now a country with
a clear European orientation and a strong will
to take the social inclusion agenda forward. This
and the Swiss programme experience are strong
assets on which to build the Cooperation Strategy
2010-2013, making use of new opportunities
for alignment with Serbia’s policies. While the
new medium term programme thus contains elements
of continuity, it is also designed to adjust
to emerging challenges, including the repercussions
of the global economic crisis on Serbia.
Key national references are the National Programme
for Integration with the European
Union, the Needs of the Republic of Serbia for
International Assistance, social inclusion policies
– which are to replace the Serbian Poverty
Reduction Strategy (PRS) – and selected sector
policies and guidelines. A “selective” alignment
approach will help to focus on topics where
Switzerland has a comparative advantage, and
to keep a distance where no agreement can be
reached on basic concepts or methods. Selective
alignment may also refer to programmes of other
partners than the central government.
On the Swiss side, the objectives of the Strategy
for the Western Balkans of the Federal Council
continue to provide the overall frame of reference.
The Law on Cooperation with Eastern
3.2 Objectives framework
and programme structure
Overall goal
Switzerland will support Serbia’s efforts towards
European integration, by contributing to (1)
improving social inclusion and reducing poverty,
and (2) increasing the competitiveness of its
economy.
3.3 Economic Development
(SECO and SDC)
National priorities
Within the Serbian government’s numerous economic
priorities, SECO and SDC will align with
the following: maintaining macroeconomic sta-
7