Popovic: For Serbia, renouncing Kosovo as a final condition for EU membership is unacceptable

If renouncing Kosovo becomes the final condition for Serbia's membership in the European Union, that condition is unacceptable for Serbia as a free, sovereign, proud, and historic European state, Minister without Portfolio for International Economic Cooperation Nenad Popovic stated, as reported by RTV.

In an interview with ‘Vecernje Novosti,’ when asked whether it was time to reconsider Serbia's orientation toward the EU and whether integration should continue if the cost includes recognizing Kosovo’s independence and imposing sanctions on Russia, Popovic said that integration remains Serbia’s state policy. He acknowledged the numerous benefits EU membership would bring to Serbia’s citizens and economy but stressed that it also entails significant challenges.

"The problem is that the EU itself lacks clear criteria in the European integration process. The most recent example is the opening of Cluster 3. The European Commission determined three years ago that Serbia had fulfilled all the conditions. However, it seems this is not a criterion, and Serbia is placed in a completely different position compared to other candidate countries. We are being set political conditions, primarily the demand to renounce our Kosovo and Metohija and to impose sanctions on our brotherly Russia," he said.

Popovic added that Serbia’s policy in the European integration process is to continue dialogue with Brussels on these unacceptable conditions.

He emphasized that Serbia should strengthen its cooperation with BRICS, both as an organization and with each member state individually.

"These are undoubtedly friendly countries that understand our policy of remaining sovereign and independent, while they themselves are rapidly developing and gradually creating a distinct pole on the international stage," he stated.

Popovic explained that Serbia must not deprive itself of opportunities to build partnerships worldwide.

"In the context of a very complicated European integration process with an uncertain timeline for completion, Serbia must not forgo opportunities to build partnerships globally. These partnerships can help protect our national interests, particularly in the United Nations, open new markets for our economy, and attract foreign investments," Popovic concluded.