The Prime Minister of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, stated today that Serbia's strategic path is membership in the European Union (EU), but that its traditionally good ties with Russia are also important.
Brnabić said in an interview with CNN (CNN) that Serbia is "deeply and strategically" committed to joining the EU, stating that two new ministries in her government (the Ministry of European Integration and the Ministry of Environmental Protection) speak in support of this ).
She assessed that the government in Belgrade is not pro-American or pro-Russian, but pro-Serbian, and that its job is to improve the lives of Serbian citizens.
According to her, the Government of Serbia is clearly telling its citizens and partners, including Russia, that the strategic goal is membership in the EU, adding that Russia is a major economic partner of Serbia.
"Russia is a big market and a big trade partner for us," said the Prime Minister and added that the citizens of Serbia are undoubtedly traditionally very connected to Russia.
She pointed out that Serbia needs new businesses and companies, stating that the government must be responsible to all citizens, and maintain ties with Russia, because it is an "important part" of Serbian economic growth.
Brnabić added that the policy of her government is in continuity with the policy of the previous government, as well as continuing where Aleksandar Vučić left off.
"We had great successes in the previous three years. We had complete fiscal consolidation. We were three months from bankruptcy, according to the analysis of the World Bank, and now we have full macroeconomic stability," she said.
Answering the question of how people in Serbia have accepted the first female and openly gay prime minister, Brnabić replied that Serbia is not a homophobic country, adding that she feels she has the full support of the people in Serbia.
"Serbia is not so conservative or homophobic... There is certainly room for progress, as well as people who still think that it is not OK, nor part of our tradition and our values, but I think they are a vocal minority," said the Prime Minister.
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