Hahn in Belgrade: EU will not import bilateral disputes

BELGRADE, (Patria) - Just one day after the adoption of the Strategy for the Western Balkans, European Commissioner for Enlargement Johannes Hahn is visiting Serbia, where he met with President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić.

Hahn said at a press conference with President Aleksandar Vučić, with whom he spoke for more than an hour and a half, that it was not accidental that he came to Belgrade.

- This shows our commitment to EU accession. For the first time, Serbia has received an indicative date and in that sense has a real perspective in the EU and a unique opportunity to use it, of course, with the instruments and strategic goals of accession. The chance lies in the hands of the citizens of Serbia and it should be used - he said.

He stated that Serbia needs to do a lot of work in terms of the rule of law, judiciary, and other rights, and this should not just be on paper. Hahn emphasized that the EU will not "import bilateral disputes".

- Serbia must resolve and undoubtedly implement the legally binding agreement on stabilization with Kosovo, and we will do everything we can to help, as well as in resolving other issues, primarily border issues, with its neighbors - he said.

Hahn stressed that cooperation within the region is most important, given the common goal of accession.