Starovic with Ferrari: EU accession one of Serbia's key foreign policy priorities

Serbian Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starovic met today with French Ambassador to Belgrade, Florence Ferrari, to discuss further strengthening cooperation between the two countries, as well as Serbia's path toward the European Union.

The talks particularly highlighted the importance of intensive political dialogue and the strategic partnership that the two countries are developing on the foundations of their long-standing friendly relations, according to a statement from the Ministry.

Starovic emphasized that membership in the European Union remains Serbia's strategic commitment and one of its key foreign policy priorities.

He also stressed that the Serbian Government is committed to implementing reforms aimed at further alignment with European standards, strengthening institutions, upholding the rule of law, and improving the quality of life of its citizens.

He pointed to the importance of implementing the Reform Agenda and the European Union's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans as important instruments for bringing Serbia's economy closer to the EU single market.

Speaking about the European integration process, the minister said that Serbia supports initiatives that enable the gradual inclusion of candidate countries in certain EU policies and programs even before formal membership.

As he noted, such an approach brings tangible benefits to citizens and businesses, provides additional incentives for reforms, and represents an important step toward full EU membership.

He expressed gratitude for the continuous political and technical support that France provides to Serbia's European path and for its efforts to make the enlargement process more effective and credible.