Serbian Minister Discusses EU Funds for Farmers Serbia’s latest dance with Brussels played out in the pavilions of the Novi Sad Agricultural Fair, where European money is framed as both salvation for farmers and a test of political credibility.

On 19 May, Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic used a high‑profile meeting with the head of the EU Delegation, Andreas von Baumgarten (Bekerat), to hammer home a message: EU cash is now central to keeping Serbian agriculture afloat. “Glamocic: European Funds Are Very Important for Serbian Farmers” / “European funds are very important for Serbian farmers” was the line pushed from the fair in near‑identical headlines across the press.

From the government‑friendly side, the story is one of momentum and commitment. Glamocic boasted of “greater interest than before” among farmers for EU funds and insisted that “Serbia does not run away from obligations” on its EU path, stressing that institutions now work “faster than before” to meet Brussels’ demands. Pro‑government coverage highlights his promise that Serbia wants to fulfill its EU duties “concretely, not just on paper,” and to use IPARD funds “with absolute efficiency,” including a planned payout of 31 million euros to the sector.

The more critical, opposition‑leaning take stresses the gap between rhetoric and results. While repeating Glamocic’s declaration that Serbia will “enter the European Union as a partner, not under ultimatums,” it lingers on EU Ambassador Bekerat’s warning that only 56% of IPARD II money was used, with “large sums” sent back to Brussels — a mistake he says must not be repeated as 288 million euros is lined up for IPARD III.

Both camps agree on one thing: EU funds are vital. Where they differ is whether Novi Sad marks a turning point in actually absorbing the money — or just another fairground photo‑op on Serbia’s endlessly delayed road to Europe.