Now is the time for Serbia to be clear on the issue of joining the European Union, He announced on Wednesday in Belgrade after meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučič head of the European Commission (EC) Ursula von Der Leyen. Informs TASR.
- EC chief visited Belgrade to meet President Vučić.
- She stressed the need for reforms in the rule of law, the freedom of the media.
- The EU expects Serbia to harmonize foreign policy.
- Von der Leyen offered support, pointing to the benefits of membership.
- President Vučić confirmed the strategic commitment of Serbia to join the EU.
“We need to see progress in the rule of law, electoral framework and media freedom. I know these reforms are not easy. They require patience and perseverance,” She noted von der Leyen at a joint press conference with Vučič. She stressed that reforms must include all parts of society and political spectrum.
In addition to the national reforms of the EU, according to the chairman of the EC, Belgrade expects greater harmonization of foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia. “You have reached 61 percent of matching with our foreign policy. However, there is more to do. We want to rely on Serbia as a reliable partner,” she said.
The EC chief said that membership in the Union is not just a strategic decision for Serbia. “The offer of EU membership is an opportunity. It is a promise of peace. Prosperity. And solidarity. Especially in times of crisis,” stated.
As an example of solidarity, it cited the Union’s response to the energy crisis as a result of the war in Ukraine. Serbia, in addition to other candidate countries from the Western Balkans, could count on all the measures provided by the Union to its Member States.
“You can continue to rely on us. We are connecting Serbia to the EU energy market. This is a real guarantee that Serbian families will be safe and warm in winter,” She stated and pointed out other planned projects. Von Der Leyen recalled that the EU has so far allocated more than EUR 100 million for the new investment for Serbia as part of the growth plan for the Western Balkans. “And others will follow,” she said.
As part of the EU growth plan, he also works on the integration of Serbia into a single area of euro payments (SEPA). As a result, money transfers between Serbia and the EU will be faster, safer and much cheaper, says von der Leyen, according to which it will have a real impact on Serbian businesses and citizens, many of whom live and work in EU Member States.
“And now we expect Serbia to prove the same determination, not only with words but also with deeds,” The EC chief, who is still planning to negotiate in Kosovska Pristina and Northern Macedonia, finished during the day.
President Vučič said that Serbia membership in the European Union remains a strategic commitment and a priority of the country’s foreign policy. He stressed that this will not change to the next election, “And I hope it won’t change after them,” added.
“I believe that the European Commission will find a way to facilitate the position of candidate countries (towards EU membership) and to facilitate the situation,” The Serbian President noted. At the same time, he announced that the EC chairman had handed over a letter for an exemption for Serbia from duties on steel imports to the EU. Finally, he promised that Serbia wants to continue working closely with the European Union.
