Giaufret: The pace of Serbia's EU accession is also determined by the normalization of relations with Kosovo

Head of the European Union Delegation to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret, stated that the pace of Serbia's accession to the Union was also determined by the normalization of relations with Kosovo, which was not only in the hands of Belgrade but also Pristina. He emphasized the necessity of returning to dialogue because this issue could only be resolved through a political process.

The European Union is a "rule-based club", and societies in the Western Balkans must overcome numerous internal difficulties to become members, Giaufret said during a panel at the Belgrade Security Forum.

"The conditions for membership are clear, and the main issue is the rule of law. For Serbia, the other crucial issue is the normalization of relations with Kosovo, which has been the key factor affecting the pace of accession from the beginning. In recent years, we have seen ups and downs. This issue is not solely in the hands of Belgrade or Pristina," Giaufret emphasized.

He pointed out that there had been ups and downs in recent years, from reaching an agreement on the roadmap for normalization, followed by the escalation on May 29, and unilateral actions by Pristina leading to escalation, and then the events in Banjska on September 24.

Giaufret stressed that Banjska had raised significant concerns, and this event needed to be thoroughly investigated, with those responsible brought to justice.

"De-escalation is needed. We have seen a reduction in the number of soldiers on the border. We need to return to the political process. It's a political problem that requires a political solution. This is why it's positive that the Serb List decided to participate in local elections. It's a good direction to move forward. We also need to return to dialogue because it's essential for progress," Giaufret explained.

He pointed out that the alignment of foreign policy had always been a requirement, and it had become a central issue for the EU after the Russian aggression in Ukraine.

"We would like to see Serbia align itself with our sanctions," Giaufret stated.

He said that these conditions were the same for everyone.

He emphasized that the Western Balkans now had an opportunity, and at the same time, the EU needed to prepare for enlargement.

"The issue of absorption capacity has always been a concern, and now the discussion is ongoing, and that topic is on the table. There is an understanding that both processes should run in parallel, and that is the message from Granada," Giaufret emphasized.

He also said that enlargement was a geostrategic decision of the European Union, as it would make the EU stronger and more resilient, especially in "an age of global disorder" because candidates could undoubtedly strengthen the Union.