Poverty and social exclusion as modern problems of the Serbian economy

In the last decade of the 20th century, the problems of poverty and social exclusion became topical on a European scale. Bearing in mind Serbia’s European perspective, social policy has been gaining in significance. Serbia is a transition country lagging behind other ex-socialist countries, something that is evident in almost all socio-economic, political and societal spheres. In that context, Serbia has no consistent and uniform national strategy of social development, and this ranks it at the very top of the European tree where poverty and social exclusion are concerned. Neither factor is an individual’s choice, but rather emerge as the consequence of different social and cultural circumstances. Such multi-dimensional problems imply a responsibility for society as a whole and modern, relevant and sustainable solutions are a necessity. Serbia must diminish the gap to Europe in the field of economic-social indicators, which is only possible through economic, social and societal advancement. Here, both co-operation and co-ordination with European partners will be required.