Djuric in Tirana: Serbia wants to contribute to promoting regional cooperation through CEI Presidency

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Djuric stated at the annual meeting of Central European Initiative (CEI) foreign ministers in Tirana that the Serbian Government is determined to accelerate reforms with the clear goal of fully preparing for EU membership by the end of 2026., and that Serbia aims to contribute to improving regional cooperation during its CEI Presidency.

At the start of his address, Djuric thanked Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani and extended heartfelt congratulations to Albania for its successful and dynamic Presidency of the Central European Initiative.

”In the year in which we celebrate 35 years since the creation of CEI your dedication has set a high standard, and we in Serbia are committed to carrying that torch forward when we assume the Presidency in 2025,” Djuric said.

He also expressed gratitude to CEI Secretary-General Roberto Antonione for his dedicated service over the past six years, during which CEI has been significantly strengthened, and to the newly elected Secretary-General, Mr. Dal Mas, affirming Serbia’s readiness to support him in all his endeavors.

“In the year of its creation, in 1989, Europe was going through turbulent and transformative time. Although still peaceful at the time, the situation then had many similarities with political shifts and tectonic changes we are observing today. CEI was founded to contribute to European Integration and to strengthen economic, social and other bonds of the members as they strive towards EU membership. Thirty-five years later, this task has not yet been completed as long as all aspiring members do complete their path towards the European Union,” Djuric said.
He stressed that Serbia remains steadfast on its path toward full membership in the EU.

“However, this journey is neither swift nor simple, but we understand that every great achievement demands patience and perseverance. The recent commitment from the European Commission to advance Serbia’s integration process is a step forward. We look forward to opening Cluster 3 soon. Furthermore, I would like to take this opportunity to state that the Government of Serbia is determined to expedite the reform processes, with the clear goal to be fully prepared for the EU membership by the end of 2026,” he emphasized.

Djuric stated that, with the support of CEI member states, Serbia aims to accelerate progress toward a united Europe, where every piece of the mosaic—including the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership countries—falls into place, strengthening the whole.

“I call on the countries among us that are part of the EU to continue providing their political support and technical assistance as we work to strengthen the rule of law and good governance for all of our citizens,” he added.

He noted that while political and economic cooperation remains the backbone of CEI, its remarkable contributions over the past decades should not be overlooked.

“The CEI has supported over 1,500 projects, many of them focused on youth initiatives. This is not just investment—it’s planting seeds for our collective future. Every young mind we empower today helps build resilient and innovative societies tomorrow. That is why we are investing in the development of capabilities and resources in the field of artificial intelligence and biotechnology in Serbia, hoping to use the technologies of the 4th industrial revolution to be at the forefront of our development,” Djuric said.

"We deeply value Ukraine’s consistent support for Serbia's territorial integrity"

The Serbian foreign minister highlighted that Serbia’s cooperation within CEI is rooted in principles enshrined in the UN Charter and OSCE documents—principles that, he said, have never been more critical than in today’s turbulent world.

“Serbia firmly supports the principle of sovereignty and territorial integrity of all UN member states, applying it indiscriminately to all countries, including Ukraine. Equally, we deeply value Ukraine’s consistent support for Serbia’s territorial integrity. Friends stand by each other, especially in difficult times, and we honor this bond. Our support, however, extends beyond words. Serbia has provided over €52 million in aid to Ukraine, donated essential equipment worth €8.4 million to its energy sector with €2 million more in the near future, and welcomed thousands of Ukrainian refugees, offering them care on par with EU standards,” Djuric stated.

He expressed hope that next year’s gathering in Belgrade, during Serbia’s CEI Presidency, will take place under brighter circumstances, where peace is not just a hope but a lived reality.

“Serbia is eager to take over the CEI Presidency and contribute to promoting regional cooperation. We look forward to welcoming you all to Belgrade, where you will observe a city changing to host the Specialized Expo in 2027. Together we will not only celebrate our shared achievements but also craft plans for even greater successes to come,” Djuric concluded.