Macron: The reached agreements should be implemented, Pristina needs to make progress in establishing the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities

The agreements reached in Brussels and Ohrid need to be implemented, and Pristina must progress in establishing the Community of Serb Municipalities, in line with its aspirations to join the Council of Europe, stated French President Emmanuel Macron tonight.

In a joint statement with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized that France will do everything to ensure the implementation of the agreements reached.

He stressed that each side must contribute to this path and welcomed the "gesture made on both sides."

"Now, we must go further. I know you are ready for this, and you have reiterated this during our last meeting in Brussels. We need to overcome the tensions that arose after the decision regarding the transfer of funds. It is necessary for the elections in the north to be held as soon as possible and for new genuinely democratically legitimate mayors to be elected. Pristina needs to progress in forming the CSM, in accordance with its aspirations for membership in the Council of Europe," he said.

Macron stated that he desires the normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina, as it promises and guarantees the stability of the region and Europe.

He highlighted that this is the essence of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, adding that France will continue to support the EU's mediation and do everything to ensure the agreements are implemented.

He said it is crucial that those responsible for the events in Banjska are brought to justice.

"It is necessary for those responsible for the attacks in Banjska to be held accountable and to prevent such a tragedy from recurring," he added.

"I am aware of how difficult these compromises are, but leaders who have courage and vision will contribute to peace and stabilization of the region. In this regard, I would also repeat how important it is to me, and to you, that Bosnia and Herzegovina remains a unified state," Macron emphasized.

The French President underlined the close ties between Belgrade and Paris, noting that the frequency of state head contacts testifies to the depth of ties and intensity of relations, and how important Serbia's friendship is to France.

This friendship, he adds, carries the memory of the past but is marked by the future of Europe.

The essence of these relations, he said, is the support for Serbia's European integration.

Vucic's visit to Paris, he added, comes at a "moment of truth for Europe," as Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine enters its third year and Europe enters a new era of reunification.

The integration of Serbia into the EU, he stressed, is in the joint interest.

Macron emphasized that this is not an imposed process but Serbia's sovereign choice to freely move towards a model of joint defense of Europe's sovereignty.

He welcomed "Vucic's very clear choices in geopolitical terms."

"Serbia must not doubt, no matter how fresh the wounds of the recent past are, that its future is in the EU and nowhere else. This is a strategic choice we must affirm. The European future is being built at moments that are very challenging for humanity, and you should not doubt Europe's intention to welcome you under its wing. We must move forward together and not miss this historical moment," Macron conveyed.

He stated it's important for Serbia to continue to concrete its choice through further alignment of foreign policy, and in this regard, welcomed Vucic's participation at the recent meeting of Western Balkan leaders with the head of the Ukrainian state in Tirana.

He said he has not forgotten his trip to Serbia and wants to return to Belgrade.

"I want to express how much I trust your country, but also you as a leader. You have kept your promise. Thank you for being here in Paris today," Macron added.

He evaluated that the European growth plan for the Western Balkans will support all efforts of the region to overcome the past and contribute to strengthening the competitiveness of the economy.

"Serbia can count on the French Development Agency, which invested 570 million euros last year. France is a partner in adapting to European standards. Since my visit in 2019, our economic cooperation has only grown stronger. French companies are increasingly present, investing in Serbia because they trust in its future. Cooperation can be further strengthened in ecology, artificial intelligence, and civil nuclear energy," Macron explained.

He thanked Vucic for the 20 bilateral discussions they have had in various formats, as well as for the official visit, and for Serbia's choice during a difficult moment for Europe.

Macron also thanked for the friendship between the two countries, adding that he has as much trust in Serbia as in Vucic, who, as he emphasized, has always kept his promises.