Bilcik: Normalization of relations with Pristina, reforms, and alignment with EU foreign policy are crucial for the new Serbian Government

For the new Government of Serbia, three key priorities are ahead - normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, reforms, and alignment of foreign policy with the EU, Vladimir Bilcik, the European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, stated for Kosovo Online.

When asked about his expectations for the new Serbian government, which will be formed after the elections, Bilcik mentioned these three aspects, which have been emphasized before.

"The first thing is a sincere commitment to the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. I know there has been a lot of constructive work despite tensions," Bilcik said.

He expressed satisfaction with the fact that a large number of Serbs from Kosovo had voted in central Serbia, noting that Kosovo had been a significant topic during the campaign. He highlighted the absence of tensions on election day.

"I hope the future government will make real progress in terms of normalizing relations, which includes resolving open issues, such as the attack in Banjska in September. This issue will not disappear," Bilcik said.

As the second point, he emphasized the necessity of implementing reforms.

"Reforms, reforms, reforms. I hope the new government, the new ruling majority, will fulfill its four-year mandate, be stable, and focus on everything that needs to be done in the areas of the rule of law, democracy, and structural reforms in the economy and energy. All of this together can bring Serbia closer to EU membership," he noted.

Bilcik stated that the issue of enlargement has returned to the EU agenda, and he would like to see this topic reappear on Serbia's agenda with the new government.

As the third most important thing, he mentioned aligning Serbia's foreign policy with the EU.

"I understand there are certain issues, I understand it is difficult, but as Serbia progresses towards normalizing relations with Pristina, I hope there will also be alignment with the Union's foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia. In a time when Russia has attacked Ukraine and its territorial integrity, I hope Serbia can stand with us on this issue," Bilcik emphasized.

He added that this would also be a signal to all EU partners.

"Those three things are important. Progress in any of them fundamentally moves Serbia closer to EU membership. Progress in all three ensures that Serbia becomes a part of the EU," Bilcik concluded.

Regarding the message for Pristina, he suggests being genuine, working on implementing agreements and forming the Community of Serb Municipalities as a crucial issue.

"The same message goes for Belgrade. Be genuine and implement everything that has been discussed because I think it is in the interest of all citizens of Kosovo and Metohija, all Serbs living there, and all monuments that must be protected. That is the reality on the ground. We need to focus on important details, not talk about emotions and big issues. I believe the new government has the mandate to do that," he added.

He emphasizes that the normalization of relations is an issue that must finally be resolved.

"Without resolving that, many other issues will be difficult to address. So, fingers crossed," Bilcik concluded.