Djuric with the Austrian Foreign Minister: The rights of Serbs in Kosovo are violated, we insist on the formation of the CSM

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric spoke today with Austrian Federal Minister for European and Foreign Affairs Beate Meinl-Reisinger, informing her that the rights of Serbs in Kosovo are being violated daily and that Belgrade will continue to insist on the formation of the Community of Serbian Municipalities (CSM), which is crucial for securing the rights of the Serbian people. The Austrian minister emphasized that Kosovo and Serbia should engage constructively in dialogue and move forward toward normalizing their relations.

During the phone conversation, Djuric pointed out that the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina has been stagnating for years, with the Serbian people facing daily pressure, which has led to the displacement of 15% of Serbs from Kosovo's territory just last year.

He stressed that Belgrade will continue to insist on the formation of the CSM, which is extremely important for realizing the collective, political, and other rights of Serbs in Kosovo, which have been significantly undermined in recent times, as stated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Djuric reiterated that Serbia remains committed to preserving peace and stability in the region and to enhancing cooperation within it, which is a key prerequisite for the overall progress of the Western Balkans.

He congratulated Minister Meinl-Reisinger on assuming her position, expressing the expectation that during her term, Serbia-Austria cooperation will continue to develop in a positive direction.

He conveyed Serbia's readiness to further enhance political dialogue at the highest and senior levels, expressing hope that the Austrian Foreign Minister will visit Serbia in the near future.

Pointing out that one of Serbia's foreign policy priorities is full EU membership, Djuric emphasized that Serbia greatly appreciates Austria's support on this path.

In this regard, the head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized that Serbia will carry out all necessary reforms by December 2026 to meet the conditions for EU accession.

He also noted that Austria is one of Serbia's most significant economic partners and one of the largest investors in the country, expressing confidence that economic cooperation will continue to develop and grow.

Considering that Serbia will host the Specialized Exhibition "Expo 2027," the Serbian Foreign Minister stated that Austria's participation in this important international event will further strengthen the relations between the two countries.

The Austrian minister emphasized that Kosovo and Serbia should constructively engage in dialogue and move forward toward normalizing their relations.

She stated that Austria will continue to support Serbia on its EU path.

"Serbia's EU path is our common goal, and we will continue to support you in the necessary reforms. Kosovo and Serbia should constructively engage in dialogue and move forward toward normalizing their relations. This is crucial for their EU path," Meinl-Reisinger wrote on the social media platform "X."

She also highlighted the importance of supporting the rule of law and fostering genuine dialogue to overcome societal divisions.