Djuric at the "Friends of the Western Balkans" meeting: We are creating a positive atmosphere for European integration

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric said that today's summit of the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group was an opportunity to further strengthen Serbia's position in Europe in the context of opening Cluster 3, while also promoting the country as one that is steadily implementing reforms for the benefit of its citizens.

"We built a strong case for why it would be a missed opportunity not to open Cluster 3 now, primarily because it covers a group of laws and regulations dealing with improving the position of employees, competitiveness, and economic empowerment - all issues that are important to citizens," Djuric stressed, adding that the key point is for reforms to continue moving forward.

He said he presented what Serbia has accomplished, describing it as a "quantum leap" in legislative activity through the adoption of 23 reform laws.

"We are creating a positive atmosphere and momentum when it comes to European integration. It was also important to convey the message that Serbia is one of the cornerstones of the region in all three key pillars - regional relations and the preservation of stability, the common foreign and security policy, and the implementation of reforms," Djuric emphasized.

He added that participants also discussed the broader geopolitical context and why it is important for the EU to enlarge at this moment, as well as why the Western Balkan countries contribute to Europe's resilience.

He noted that there was also some debate, and that he agreed with colleagues who questioned the very term "Western Balkans," adding that he prefers the term "Southeast Europe."

"The term 'Western Balkans' raises questions, such as who, then, belongs to the Eastern Balkans," the Serbian foreign minister remarked.

Djuric also announced that Hungary will become a member of the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group.

"An important moment at the summit was Hungary's participation. Today, we jointly decided to admit Hungary to the group, and the decision was welcomed with applause and acclamation. It is important to have as many countries as possible supporting EU enlargement," Djuric stressed.

He said he had an excellent meeting with his Hungarian counterpart, Anita Orban, and expressed optimism that the outstanding relations between Serbia and Hungary would continue, ahead of upcoming high-level meetings that will further confirm that partnership.

"It is in the interest of both sides to preserve and further develop these relations at every level, not only between our governments but also between our citizens, our economies, and our wider communities. We will continue our good and successful cooperation with Hungary," Minister Djuric concluded.