George Simion: I will never accept the Kosovo precedent

The President of the Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR), George Simion, stated that the self-proclaimed independence of Kosovo is one of the most dangerous geopolitical precedents in this part of Europe, adding that Kosovo is an issue on which Romania has not changed its stance.

"Even as a student, I sang at Marakana stadium with Serbian fans during a football match between our national teams, 'Kosovo is the heart of Serbia.' Now, as an adult and the youngest political leader in Romania, I believe the same," Simion said in an interview with Politika. His party garnered 18% of the vote in December's elections, becoming the second-largest political force in the Romanian Parliament, with nearly double the number of deputies and senators compared to four years ago.

He emphasized that Kosovo is an issue on which the Romanian state has remained consistent, expressing satisfaction that Romania has upheld its position at the national level.

He recalled that the day after Pristina declared independence, the Romanian Parliament adopted a declaration stating that "unilateral declaration of independence is not recognized."

"Today, 16 years later, we maintain the same position – respect for Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. As far as I am concerned, I will never accept the 'legitimacy' of territorial separatism. This self-proclaimed independence is one of the most dangerous geopolitical precedents in this part of Europe. I am not interested in the pseudo-arguments of 'elites'; Kosovo was and remains a province of Serbia. Kosovo is Serbia, yesterday, today, and forever," Simion asserted.

He also highlighted his support for Serbia's European integration.

"Serbia has made clear progress toward membership, but unfortunately, Brussels does not view some of Belgrade's steps favorably," Simion observed.

On the other hand, he added, discussions continue regarding the respect for the rights of ethnic minorities, including the Romanian minority in Timok Valley. These, he stated, are principled and legitimate demands.

"In this regard, we have seen great openness from Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, an exceptional leader who has demonstrated respect for fundamental values of humanity. Although the prospects for membership may not seem optimistic in the coming years, we remain one of the strongest supporters of your country in the EU. As with Kosovo, our representatives in the European Parliament will be strong advocates for your people," Simion affirmed.

Discussing the potential for cooperation between Serbia and Romania, Simion expressed regret that there has been little collaboration over the years.

"We are so similar, and I am fascinated by our shared history. Instead of better connecting Bucharest and Timisoara with Belgrade, our relations often go through Berlin or Brussels," Simion remarked, recalling the saying that Romania has only two neighbors with whom it has never been at war – Serbia and the Black Sea.

As he noted, trade between the two countries has increased in recent years, which is natural given the significance of cross-border cooperation. However, he stressed the need for continuous efforts to strengthen energy security, with a key focus on interconnecting gas systems.

As another strategic project urgently needed, he highlighted the highway connecting Timisoara and Belgrade, which, according to him, authorities have discussed for far too long while its construction has been repeatedly delayed.

"The construction of this infrastructure project should be an absolute priority and even a relevant step toward Serbia's accession to the European Union," Simion concluded.