The main theme of the first corporate conference was the current reforms in education, with a focus on harmonizing the secondary and higher education systems with the needs of the labour market and companies operating in Serbia. The conference was opened by Serbian PM Ana Brnabić, who said that knowledge-based society is what we want for Serbia. "Quality education, in my firm belief, today more than ever, is the foundation of a successful society," the PM said. The event was one of the ways in which EMinS wants to contribute to the establishment of dialogue in our society in order to hear the voices of companies and business community more intensely in the process of approaching Serbia to the family of European countries.

European Commission Report for Serbia thoroughly scrutinized all relevant areas and made recommendations that Serbia should fulfill in the process of European integration. Report is essentially positive because it recognizes the progress in many areas, primarily in economy, but also notes that no progress has been made in the part relating to freedom of expression. In order for Serbia to progress further on the European path, it is crucial to continue the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue, which would result in a comprehensive and legally binding agreement on the normalization of relations. The rule of law remains the backbone of the European integration process, and the judiciary must be independent, depoliticized, efficient and professional.

Fifth Annual Plenary Session of the NCEU was dedicated to the EC Report on Serbia and saw the participation of the high-ranking officials led by PM Brnabić, Chief of Mission and representatives of EUD in Serbia and German Ambassador. Prime Minister Brnabić said that the Serbian government will deal with recommendations rather than ratings, because the essence and the adoption of values are needed. "Our European path must be the essence, not the form. In our path, I deeply believe, there must not be shortcuts. I think that this path to the EU is difficult and full of challenges, and the hardest thing about it is to correct the generational shortcomings of society. If we succeed, we can stand by the side with the most developed societies in Europe, "the Prime Minister said.