Djuric talked to Kallas and Kos: EU membership is a strategic commitment and a priority of Serbia's foreign policy

Today in Rome, on the sidelines of the ministerial meeting of the "Friends of the Western Balkans" group, Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric held separate meetings with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos.

In the conversation with Kallas, Djuric thanked her for her willingness to personally engage in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and her desire to assist in the process of normalizing relations, according to the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The head of Serbian diplomacy reiterated that full EU membership is the foreign policy priority of Serbia, which he emphasized is a credible EU partner committed to deepening overall cooperation with the Union.

Djuric stressed that Serbia expects to continue good cooperation with the EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy throughout the term of his counterpart.

Highlighting his high regard for her opinion that the Western Balkans region is very important for the EU, and her desire to see progress in the enlargement process during her term, the minister expressed hope that joint efforts would overcome the stagnation in Serbia's progress towards EU accession.

In this regard, he pointed out that the opening of Cluster 3 soon would be very significant, explaining that it would provide additional impetus for implementing all necessary reforms by the end of 2026, which Serbia has defined as its strategic goal.

He also added that the EU is Serbia's most significant economic partner by all parameters.

Djuric and Kallas also discussed cooperation and connectivity in the Western Balkans, and Djuric conveyed that Serbia is very committed to enhancing regional cooperation, which directly contributes to building mutual trust, the reconciliation process, and stimulates overall development on our path to full EU membership.

At the meeting with Kos, Djuric expressed satisfaction that a person with significant experience, who can understand the efforts Serbia is making on its European path, is responsible for a field of great importance to Serbia.

The minister reiterated that EU membership is a strategic commitment and a priority of Serbia's foreign policy, and that the country has set itself the ambitious task of implementing all necessary reforms required for accession to the European Union by the end of 2026.

He presented to his counterpart all the steps our country has taken to preserve stability, and they agreed that it is currently essential to start a dialogue that will involve all elements of society in Serbia.

The head of Serbian diplomacy emphasized that the EU accession process requires intense effort from the entire society, which should be a national project owned by all social actors, hence an inclusive social dialogue, along with social responsibility, is necessary.

Highlighting that the EU is Serbia's most significant economic partner, with whom two-thirds of Serbian merchandise exports, half of service exports, and three-fifths of all foreign direct investments are realized, the head of Serbian diplomacy thanked for the support of the reforms and financial assistance for their implementation.