Djuric: It is important that the position of Serbs and developments in Kosovo and Metohija be taken into account when deciding in the Council of Europe

Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated after the Ministerial Meeting in Taormina, Sicily, that the summit represented a direct discussion about the challenges facing Europe, with a particular focus on the Balkans and the accession of Balkan states to the EU. He emphasized that it is of vital importance that the situation of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija and everything happening to them be taken into account when making decisions on future steps within the Council of Europe.

"I conveyed the position that for us, the EU membership of Balkan countries—both for those countries and for the EU itself—represents a kind of Shakespearean dilemma, almost a 'to be or not to be' question, both in terms of security and economic development, considering the enormous growth potential of our region. I sent an unequivocal message that Serbia is prepared to go against the current if necessary in building bridges of cooperation among states and peoples in the region," Djuric said.

He added that Serbia was faced with attempts to tarnish its image by representatives from Pristina.

"Of course, not everything was rosy and smooth—we were confronted with attempts, particularly by the representative of Pristina, to cast Serbia in a negative light through references to a negative historical context. We responded to this with dignity, delivering a clear message that we will not convince anyone to support EU enlargement in the Balkans if we continue attacking, insulting, and denigrating one another. Certainly, we are capable of doing the same—and far more effectively—but we choose a different path. We choose to show our commitment to values in a different way. At the same time, it is abundantly clear that Serbia, as the central country on the Balkan Peninsula and accounting for 52 percent of the economy in our part of Europe, is not only essential but must play a key role in our region," the Serbian foreign minister stated.

Djuric emphasized that he held a number of meaningful and productive bilateral meetings during the summit.

"I met with colleagues from the region, including North Macedonia’s minister Timco Mucunski, Mr. Radman from Croatia… all other ministers from the region were present as well. I had both formal and informal talks with many of them. Also present was Commissioner Kos, and I spoke with the Italian Foreign Minister Tajani in a warm and friendly manner. I thank our Italian friends for organizing this excellent summit and for their sincere and consistent support to Serbia on the European political stage," the minister conveyed.

He also highlighted his meeting with Malta’s Foreign Minister Mr. Borg, noting Malta’s presidency of the Council of Europe this year.

"I had a very important conversation with him, given the fact that Malta will preside over the Council of Europe this autumn. It is crucial for us that the position of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, and all the suffering they have endured, be taken into consideration when making decisions on the next steps in the Council of Europe. Serbia can be satisfied with its participation at this gathering, and we will continue, everywhere and at every opportunity, to fight for the strengthening of our international position," Djuric concluded.