Macut: Serbia did not vote for the declaration at the Tirana summit – peace and stability have no alternative

The Prime Minister of Serbia, Prof. Dr. Djuro Macut, stated today that Serbia did not vote in favor of the Declaration at the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit in Tirana, but reaffirmed that for Serbia, peace and stability have no alternative, and remain guiding principles on the region’s path toward the European Union.

Prime Minister Macut emphasized that Serbia remains genuinely committed to the dialogue with Pristina, while noting that Pristina has demonstrated persistent lack of constructiveness and willingness to engage with the other side since the beginning of the dialogue. Instead, he said, it continues to provoke and generate incidents that keep the population in Kosovo in a constant state of fear regarding their safety.

“Given the extremely difficult position of the Serbian community and the ongoing refusal of Pristina to fulfill its obligations under the Brussels Agreement, we hope that the engagement of the newly appointed EU Special Representative for the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue will also be directed toward holding Pristina accountable to meet its commitments,” Macut stated.

Speaking during the plenary session of heads of delegation, on the topic “Fostering Stability and Prosperity Through Regional Cooperation and EU Integration”, Macut stressed that these goals are achievable only through dialogue, mutual respect, understanding, and a civilized approach to resolving all potential challenges.

As a responsible and predictable partner, Serbia is determined to resolve all outstanding issues through dialogue, in good faith and in accordance with the principles of international law, Prime Minister Macut underscored, according to a statement from the Government of Serbia.

He added that EU membership remains Serbia’s strategic commitment and top foreign policy priority, while continuing to preserve traditional partnerships with Russia, China, the United States, and countries in Africa and the Middle East, alongside its ongoing policy of military neutrality.

Macut expressed satisfaction that the European Commission, in its 2024 Progress Report on Serbia, had provided an objective assessment of Serbia’s reform achievements, and expressed hope that EU Member States will support the opening of Cluster 3.

He concluded by underlining Serbia’s dedication to enhancing regional cooperation, which directly contributes to building mutual trust, promoting reconciliation, and stimulating overall development on Serbia’s path toward full EU membership.

Furthermore, he affirmed Serbia’s full support for the further deepening of regional cooperation, recognizing it as an essential pillar for regional stability.