On the occasion of celebration of 20 years of European Movement in Serbia, the president of EM Serbia, Dr. Vlastimir Matejic and his counterpart, the president of EM Germany, Dr. Rainer Wend, stressed the central role of civic engagement in the united Europe. “In times of crisis we must dare for more Europe”, they both called in a joint statement. “The story of European integration has a history of sixty years which shows that it is possible to bring peace and reconciliation and give all citizens chances for a better future – even though it might be a long way to walk”.   

EMinS President Matejic said that “For 20 years now, intellectuals, young people and others from all over Serbia have been searching for a better future for our country both in difficult times for Serbia and those more optimistic ones. All of them have battled for democratic freedom and European values.”   

“European movements in countries like Serbia, which are not members of the EU yet provide a safe space for democratic engagement”, confirmed Dr Wend. “Europe can thus be a vehicle for more civil rights and participation”.              

EM Germany has been providing logistical and personal support to its Serbian sister on its way towards Europe since the beginning. “Serbia’s place is in Europe, as rich and versatile links between Serbian and German societies and economies show“, both presidents said.

Note:
The European Movement in Serbia (EMinS) is an independent and voluntary association of Serbian citizens. It was established on the 24th of November 1992 as a non-governmental, non-party and non-profit organisation. EMinS is an independent institution of the democratic public and a form of gathering of citizens who are advocating a peaceful, democratic and full European integration, as well as a democratic and modern Serbia as part of Europe.  www.emins.org

The European Movement Germany (EM Germany) is the biggest non-partisan civil society network for European politics in Germany. Its 234 interest groups represent a cross-section of groups in society: business and professional associations, trade unions, educational institutions, research institutes, foundations, political parties, and others. Recognized and supported by the Federal Foreign Affairs, it works as a platform to strengthen civil society’s participation in Germany through communication and to support the German position at EU level. www.netzwerk-ebd.de