Djuric: Serbia in 2026 focused on stability, economic development and technological advancement

Serbia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Djuric hosted today the traditional reception marking the Serbian New Year for heads of diplomatic missions and representatives of international organizations accredited in Serbia, where he stated that the priorities of official Belgrade in 2026 will be stability, economic development, and technological progress.

Addressing the attendees, Minister Djuric emphasized that Serbia is entering the new year with clearly defined priorities.

“We want 2026 to be a good year for Serbia. President Aleksandar Vucic has officially directed the Government and, of course, us in the diplomatic service—because we work very closely together—to focus on two key priorities. First, maintaining stability in the region, domestically and wherever we can contribute, because stability is a key prerequisite for Serbia’s overall social development,” Djuric stressed.

As he noted, the second priority concerns advancing economic development, technological progress, and the overall growth of the Serbian economy, which, he underlined, is one of the key prerequisites for achieving the country’s long-term goals and ambitions.

Minister Djuric also recalled the symbolism of the Serbian New Year, pointing out that it marks the return of the state administration to full working momentum after the winter holidays, as well as representing a special part of the national and spiritual identity of the Serbian people. He added that the Orthodox New Year is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges we face, as well as to consider future plans and steps.

“Today I will not deliver a major political speech. I believe we have all heard so many developments and so much information over the past twelve months that we are still processing all the changes taking place around us. These changes are very profound in the political, economic, security, and technological spheres, to the extent that they are altering the way we function and work as governments, as diplomacies, and as individuals—sometimes even on a monthly or weekly basis,” Djuric said.

He thanked members of the diplomatic corps for their engagement in Serbia, emphasizing that through their work they make a significant contribution to Serbia’s stronger connectivity with the world and to its clearer positioning on the international map.

“You are among the few people in the world—among the few diplomats and officials—who truly possess, or already possess, in-depth knowledge and expertise about the current state of affairs in this region and in Serbia. Therefore, I wish to thank you all for your excellent service. I would also like to thank your families, and let us begin 2026 with a measured, yet firmly grounded, level of optimism,” Djuric said.

Djuric added that Serbia will continue to remain a firm, reliable, and well-intentioned partner in international relations.

The ceremony was attended by around 130 guests. At the beginning of the reception, the artistic ensemble of the Ministry of Defence, Stanislav Binicki, performed the piece “Bojarka.”