Brussels, 21/12/2012 (Agence Europe) - On Friday 21 December, the European Commission announced that it had released €171.6 million to support Serbia's efforts to implement its reform agenda, as part of the instrument for pre-accession assistance.
The funding will mainly be used to improve the efficiency of the judicial system, to strengthen asylum capacities, to fight against organised crime - especially the trafficking of human beings and firearms - and to fight against corruption. The envelope should also help social development in Serbia, improving social inclusion, employment and human resources development, human rights, the protection of minorities, anti-discrimination policies and education. The measures will support reforms at the civil service level but also environmental and energy reforms.
An additional allocation of €19 million is planned to help research and education, support for civil society, and the supply of regional housing for refugees. (CG/transl.fl)