Press Release: Commissioner Potočnik visits Serbia: towards full integration into the European Research Area

On 29 June, 2009, Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for Science and Research, participated in the EU Research Information Event in Belgrade. He addressed scientists, business representatives and representatives from Serbian Ministries on the importance of increasing Serbia's research cooperation, especially within the European Research Area (ERA), and he announced a special call for proposals for the Western Balkan region. The event was a unique opportunity for Serbian scientists and business representatives to receive detailed information about the funding opportunities offered by the 7 th European Framework Programme for Research (FP7) and to strengthen dialogue and networking opportunities in view of facilitating Serbia's integration into the European Research Area. During his visit to Belgrade Commissioner Potočnik will meet with Božidar Đelić, Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, responsible both for the European integration and Science and Technology, to discuss in more detail Serbia's national strategy for research and its contribution to the ERA objectives.