Von der Leyen: We want Serbia in the EU and count on you as a partner

(Patria) - Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the "Srbija" Palace. At the beginning of her address, she stated that enlargement is at the top of the European agenda.

"This is a time of global turbulence, and we must strengthen the unity and security of our continent. We want Serbia to join our Union. That is a promise of peace and prosperity. I truly hope you will seize this moment; Serbia is already one of the most advanced countries in this process, thanks to good progress, but we want you to join us in foreign policy as well. The EU wants to count on Serbia as a partner," she said.

During the press conference, Ursula von der Leyen said that the Ohrid Agreement should be implemented and that it foresees various steps.

"For example, the recognition of documents from institutions by Serbia, and on the other hand, this goes along with the establishment of an association of municipalities with a Serb majority. This should be implemented by Kosovo, and this will pave the way for the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo," she stated. She emphasized that this is a necessary prerequisite for the European path.

Vučić said that the recognition of Kosovo's independence is not an issue for Belgrade.

"I have said this countless times, and it is not difficult for me, nor am I ashamed. I am proud to say this even in front of the President of the European Commission. We know what our obligations are, and we are ready to fulfill them," said Vučić.

The President of the European Commission said that once the support plan is finalized, the GDP of the Western Balkans could increase by 10 percent.

"If we open the single market of the European Union and have a common regional market of the Western Balkans, we need equal rules, and reforms are necessary for that," stated Ursula von der Leyen.

According to her, if reforms are implemented, the EU will come with investments.

"For Serbia, for example, this would mean improving the business environment, working on the energy sector, which we are already doing, then focusing on education, training people for the jobs of tomorrow. These are just some of the areas where we could invest and reform together," emphasized Von der Leyen.

In addition, she said, judicial independence is essential.

"Regarding media freedom, you have just completed important reforms. Congratulations on that. Now you need to implement them and continue to work in this sector. This is a package of reforms and investments. The new growth plan also includes a package of six billion euros for the economies of the Western Balkans. We had a great experience in the EU when we combined reforms and investments, which we did after the pandemic with our support package," she stated.

Vučić pointed out that he also spoke with the President of the European Commission about the political situation.

"We talked about the situation in the region. I said what we think, and I will repeat everything I said in Brussels after the last meeting with European leaders, Mr. Michel, Borrell, Lajčak, and with the leaders of the three largest countries – Scholz, Macron, and Meloni. Serbia is committed to preserving peace and stability and knows its obligations," said Vučić.

According to him, Serbia will fulfill its obligations in accordance with the agreements.

"It is clear to Serbia what it cannot do contrary to the Constitution of the Republic of Serbia, and we have informed all our partners about this, not once but many times. Serbia's position remains. We know, to repeat once again, what Serbia has accepted, what we have discussed, debated, and made conclusions about in the National Assembly. In accordance with that, we will behave responsibly and seriously in fulfilling our own obligations," emphasized Vučić.

He stressed that the EU, as the most significant economic partner, means life for the citizens of Serbia, and that the largest investors come from the EU.

"The Republic of Serbia is the leading trading partner of the EU from the Western Balkans. Serbia accounts for 50 percent of the exports of the entire Western Balkans to the EU. So, Serbia alone 50 percent – all others 50 percent. In the last ten years, it has also achieved the highest average annual growth rate of EU exports, amounting to 14.4 percent," says Vučić.