Djuric: Serbia committed to dialogue and preserving stability; Prevot: EU doors are and remain open

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated today that he had informed his Belgian counterpart Maxime Prevot about developments in Kosovo and the challenges faced by the Serbian community in light of unilateral actions by the authorities in Pristina, stressing that Serbia is committed to dialogue and preserving peace and stability in the region. Belgium’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation, Maxime Prevot, emphasized that he is in Belgrade to send a signal to the citizens of Serbia that the doors of the EU are and remain open, but that progress on the European path is necessary, noting that the stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina remains a significant burden on that path, and pointing to the need for responsible engagement by all sides and respect for agreements.

Recalling that Serbia and Belgium are marking 140 years of diplomatic relations this year and that the two countries share a long history of bilateral relations, Djuric underlined that Minister Prevot’s visit is an important step in their further development.

“I informed my Belgian colleague about developments in Kosovo and Metohija and the challenges faced by the Serbian community in light of the unilateral and uncoordinated actions of Albin Kurti’s administration in the recent period, but I also informed him that Serbia is committed to dialogue and to preserving peace and stability in the region,” Djuric stressed.

He conveyed that they also discussed reforms that Serbia is implementing in order to meet the formal, legal, and political requirements for membership in the European Union.

“The discussion was sincere and open. In the coming days and weeks, Serbia intends to make additional efforts in order to fully implement the reform agenda by the end of the year, particularly regarding legislative amendments, so as to create the conditions for accelerating the EU accession process,” Djuric said.

However, he particularly pointed out that it would be important for Serbia’s efforts in this regard to be properly recognized.

“In addition to rhetoric, we want to deliver more in practice as well, both for our citizens and in terms of activities within the European agenda. It is important that we have positive signals from both sides and that our citizens and institutions receive a clear signal from the EU that the reforms we are implementing are being recognized and rewarded. That is why it is important that in the coming months we see the opening of new clusters, as this is the best way to prevent a decline in support for EU membership. This is our responsibility, but also a shared responsibility, I would dare say,” the head of Serbian diplomacy stated.

An important topic of discussion, Djuric added, was economic cooperation between the two countries, given that the level of trade exchange has reached nearly 1.5 billion euros. He also noted that they identified a number of areas where cooperation can be further improved, such as agriculture, energy, environmental protection, the metal processing industry, and the IT sector.

“The conversation was very substantive, constructive, and positive. For us, Belgium is an extremely important partner with whom we want to work even more in the future. This visit is a step in that direction. Previously, Serbia was also visited by the Belgian Minister of Defense, and I am convinced that the best days of our cooperation lie ahead. Feel at home, and I hope we will have the opportunity to talk more often, and I am convinced that we share a common European future,” Djuric said.

Prevot: EU doors are and remain open, progress on the European path is necessary

Belgian Minister Maxime Prevot said that he is here to send a signal to the citizens of Serbia that the doors of the EU are and remain open, adding that Serbia can count on Belgium as a partner.

“Citizens can hope for accession. Serbia’s European perspective is a key challenge and goal for the security and stability of the region and the entire continent, but to be honest, further progress on this path must be based on credible and measurable reforms, including commitment to the rule of law, judicial independence, and ensuring media and academic freedoms, as well as transparent elections and the protection of fundamental rights. These are fundamental pillars of democracy and are crucial for the success of the EU accession process,” Prevot said.

He added that he is aware that Serbia has a reform agenda that it will implement in the coming days, which, as he said, could be a step in the right direction.

Prevot stressed that in challenging geopolitical times, it is extremely important for EU candidate countries to align with the Union’s common foreign and security policy.

“Such alignment is also expected in terms of visa policy, as this is crucial and demonstrates the coherence of the bloc in conducting an effective foreign policy together,” the Belgian minister added.

He noted that Serbia is a key partner in the region, but also in Europe.

“What happens in Serbia has a direct impact on the entire region, and that is why we want to be able to rely on Serbia. To that end, the normalization of relations with neighbors remains a central issue and topic. The current stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina continues to be a significant burden on Serbia’s EU path, as well as on the stability of the Western Balkans. Belgium emphasizes the need for responsible engagement by all sides in this dialogue, respect for agreements, and the de-escalation of tensions, particularly with Zagreb,” Prevot said.

He underlined that Belgium is open to strengthening cooperation and supporting Serbia on its EU path.

“We do not want to give lessons, but rather to raise awareness of the challenges that need to be addressed, as well as of our shared ambition for the European continent to act united through values and joint action, to reduce dependence on other geopolitical poles, and to position our partnership in a way that strengthens the prosperity and security of our citizens. I commend all the efforts Serbia is making, and you can count on Belgium as a partner,” Prevot said.

He also pointed to the marking of 140 years of diplomatic relations between Serbia and Belgium, adding that it is an honor for him to visit Serbia and that this is his first, but certainly not his last visit.

“I also had the opportunity to speak with President Aleksandar Vucic about bilateral relations, the future of Serbia’s EU accession process, and regional stability and security. I would also like to highlight the economic and social dimension of our bilateral relations. We have trade exchange exceeding one billion euros and a strong presence of Belgian companies in Serbia. The predictability of the investment climate is important and guarantees transparency and lasting security and stability, and that is another reason for the Belgian economic presence and long-term commitment to Serbia’s development,” Prevot said.

He added that the two countries have very good cooperation in policing and on migration issues.