Starovic: Antonio Costa's visit to Belgrade represents a successful boost for Serbia's path toward the EU

Serbia's Minister for European Integration, Nemanja Starovic, stated today that a series of important diplomatic activities in recent months points to Serbia's strengthening international position, and that the visit of President of the European Council Antonio Costa represents a clear signal of support for the country's European path.

"His visit alone sends that kind of message, and knowing the views and approach of the President of the European Council, there is no doubt that he personally recognizes the importance and role of Serbia in the Balkans and across the European continent," Starovic told RTS.

Speaking about the possible opening of Cluster 3, the minister stressed that Serbia has met the technical requirements for years, but that this step requires political consensus among all EU member states.

"No one can deny the fact that we fulfilled the technical conditions for opening Cluster 3 a full five years ago, but political consensus among all 27 member states remained out of reach," Starovic said.

He added that Serbia has made significant efforts in recent months to implement reforms and adopt legislation important for European integration, which is why he maintains "cautious optimism" regarding further progress.

Referring to the recommendations of the Venice Commission in the field of the judiciary, Starovic emphasized that Serbia is ready to implement them fully after the Commission's plenary session scheduled for June 12.

"It is our firm intention, and we consider it an obligation we have undertaken, to fully implement all of their recommendations," the minister said.

Asked whether relations with Russia still represent an obstacle on Serbia's path toward the EU, Starovic said that the country is gradually increasing its level of alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, but that full alignment is currently not possible.

"A year and a half ago, that alignment rate was around 51 percent; now it is approximately 65 percent. We are adhering to what constitutes our obligation, but if some member states expect that rate of alignment to be 100 percent at this moment, that is absolutely impossible," Starovic stressed.

He denied speculation about the possible introduction of visas for citizens of the Russian Federation.

"That is absolutely not true. It is not on our agenda," the minister emphasized.

Speaking about statements made by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic and the unresolved issue of the border on the Danube, Starovic said they were a cause for concern and warned that Zagreb could in the future condition Serbia's progress toward EU membership.

According to him, Serbia advocates the application of the internationally recognized thalweg principle, under which the border on navigable rivers follows the middle of the main river channel.

"Everything on the left side, viewed in relation to the center of the main river channel, constitutes the sovereign territory of Serbia, and no one has the right to relinquish that territory," Starovic said.

The minister concluded that Serbia will continue implementing reforms and fulfilling obligations arising from the accession process, while expecting that a positive political climate within the European Union will contribute to further progress on its path toward membership.