Concerns raised over new Serbian PM Dacic

Serbia swore in a nationalist-tinged government on the 26 July 2012 headed by Ivica Dacic, leader of the Socialist party, an ex-spokesman for late Yugoslav strongman Slobodan Milosevic, raising concerns for fiscal discipline at home and continuing reconciliation in the region.

The shape of the new government was likely to cause nervousness in Kosovo, the former Serbian province that declared independence in 2008 which Belgrade has never recognised, and in neighbours such as Croatia.

Both Mr Dacic and new President Nikolic had, however, been careful to make reassuring noises both about Kosovo and the continued commitment to a pro-EU line.

ESO: Background information: Serbian parliamentary / presidential election, 2012 http://www.europeansources.info/record/serbian-parliamentary-presidential-election-2012/

ESO: Background information: EU rebukes Serbian President for genocide denial http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-rebukes-serbian-president-for-genocide-denial/

ESO: Background information: New Serbian leader urged to stay pro-EU http://www.europeansources.info/record/new-serbian-leader-urged-to-stay-pro-eu/

EurActiv, 27.7.12: Ex-Milošević aide takes over as Serbian PM http://www.euractiv.com/enlargement/milosevic-spoke-takes-serbia-pm-news-514173

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