Macut: Commitment to European integration is a priority; Kos: I will support Serbia on its path to the EU

The Prime Minister of Serbia, Djuro Macut, stated today, after meeting with European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, that commitment to European integration is Serbia’s absolute priority. Commissioner Kos emphasized that she will support Serbia and the aspirations of its citizens on their path to the European Union.

"Commitment to European integration is an absolute priority, and the government under my leadership will continue to vigorously pursue this process," Macut said at a joint press conference with Kos at the Serbian Government.

Recalling that the process has already been lengthy, with Serbia among the countries with the longest-standing EU accession efforts, Macut underlined that the key elements for accelerating the opening of Cluster 3 are precisely the foundation of his government’s work, which he outlined in his policy exposé.

"This includes improving the educational process, as well as progress in the fields of science, culture, and information. I hope that education will be one of the key elements of Marta Kos’s visit, that she will uphold our efforts to maintain dialogue, and that her strong support will enable us to achieve this as soon as possible and bring Serbia back onto the right path, where we stalled a few months ago. Our commitment to this will be absolute," Prime Minister Macut stated.

He pointed out that although the membership negotiations have not progressed at the desired pace, Serbia is implementing reforms in the areas of the rule of law, an independent judiciary, and the fight against corruption, which will be further strengthened through amendments and the adoption of new laws.

Macut also emphasized the importance of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, describing it as one of the mechanisms for accelerating institutional reforms and integrating Serbia into the EU Single Market by the end of 2026.

"Our commitment and dedication to the European path are complete," Prime Minister Macut affirmed.

Kos: I Will Support Serbia on Its Path to the EU

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos stated that she will support Serbia and the aspirations of its citizens on their path toward the European Union.

"We spoke extensively about Europe’s place in a changing world. We are facing new security challenges and changes in the area of trade. In this context, Europe's unity is the best solution. Our neighbors and candidates are important to us, not only as partners but as future EU members," Kos emphasized.

She stressed that there is now a possibility for Europe’s unification and added that it is not solely about enlargement.

She noted that many countries have realized that it is possible to accelerate reforms and expressed her desire for Serbia to do the same.

"Serbia has much to offer Europe. Europe looks forward to this. We have presented Prime Minister Macut with our offer for the Serbian people. That offer is: work with us on reforms to make your membership possible; work with us on establishing an independent judiciary capable of effectively fighting corruption; work with us on creating legislation that will lead to the establishment of free media," Kos said.

She added that it is also necessary to establish an electoral framework that will ensure the will of the Serbian people is heard and that decisions are based on it.

"Without these changes, Serbia cannot progress, and we know that what we are asking for is very close to what the citizens protesting in the streets are demanding," Kos said.

She expressed confidence that the meeting with the Prime Minister was positive and that they share a view on the need to solve societal problems inclusively, involving all segments.

"A true transformation must come from within; it cannot be imposed from outside," Kos pointed out.

She announced that tomorrow she would meet with a wide range of interlocutors, from students participating in blockades and those wishing to return to studying, to political parties from both the government and opposition, as well as with Ruzica Djindjic, the widow of former Prime Minister Zoran Djindjic, who, according to Kos, envisioned Serbia as an integral part of democratic and modernly developed countries.

"Promoting the European idea can sometimes be risky if there is not enough energy and momentum. I expect the government to work together with us to realize the ideas championed by Djindjic. The citizens demand and deserve it. There is a real opportunity for integration with the EU, and I hope Serbia will accept our offer," Kos concluded.

Commissioner Kos is paying an official visit to Serbia today and tomorrow, during which she will have a series of important meetings with top state officials and representatives of key institutions.

Ahead of her meeting with the Serbian Prime Minister, Kos wrote on the social network "X" that Serbia has gone through difficult months and that she is in Belgrade to listen and reiterate support for all those committed to overcoming the current political deadlock.

"The citizens of Serbia deserve a European future," Kos stated.