Von der Leyen: Implement the Ohrid Agreement; it is necessary to form the CSM

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, clarifying her statement in Pristina that Serbia was expected to deliver de facto recognition, stated that it was about implementing the Ohrid Agreement. 

Von der Leyen, during a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in Belgrade, pointed out that the Ohrid Agreement envisaged certain steps, including the recognition of some documents from Kosovo.

"It is about implementing the Ohrid Agreement, which envisages various steps, including the recognition of certain documents. Also, it is necessary to form the CSM, which should be realized by Kosovo, and this will pave the way for the normalization of relations, which is a necessary precondition for the European path", Von der Leyen said in response to a question about what de facto recognition meant when there were five EU member states that did not recognize Kosovo's independence.

Dialogue is the only way to progress

Von der Leyen stated that the dialogue mediated by the EU was the only way to make progress in the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo. She emphasized that Pristina should implement the Draft of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities, while Serbia should proceed with the implementation of existing agreements.

She noted that it was crucial for the normalization of relations between the two sides to shed light on the case of the conflict in Banjska and bring those responsible to justice.

"Normalization between Serbia and Kosovo is of crucial importance for tension resolution. The attack in Banjska on September 24 is unacceptable. The perpetrators must be held accountable", Von der Leyen said.

She emphasized that the normalization of relations between the two sides was important for the progress of Belgrade and Pristina on the path to the EU.

"In this sense, it is important for Kosovo to implement the Statute of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities, while Serbia should implement the existing agreements. The dialogue mediated by the EU is the path to calming tensions and normalizing relations, as well as EU membership," she added.
She underlined that enlargement, considering all the conflicts in the world and the geopolitical situation, was at the top of the EU's agenda.

"This is a time of global turbulence, so we must strengthen the unity and security of our continent, and enlargement is the way to achieve that. We want Serbia to join our Union; this offer is based on trust, reciprocity, and partnership. It is a promise of peace and prosperity and a unique opportunity right now that no one else can match. I truly hope and am convinced that you will seize this moment", Von der Leyen stated.

Serbia is, she emphasizes, already one of the most advanced countries on the path to EU membership, thanks to the good progress made in the past.

She stated that within the Investment Plan for the Western Balkans of 30 billion euros, projects such as the wind park in Kostolac and the gas interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria had been realized.

"We had a serious energy crisis last year, but by working together, we managed to overcome the crisis. Over time, it will be shown that together we can overcome all difficulties", Von der Leyen stated.

She noted that the EU had a four-step plan for the countries in the region. The first step, she said, was to open the EU market to companies from the Western Balkans, and the second was for the countries in the region to open their economies to their neighbors to establish a common Western Balkans market.
The fourth step, she emphasized, was the implementation of reforms that led to the fourth step, which was investments.   

She said that within the Growth Plan, six billion euros were envisaged for the Western Balkans.

"The Growth Plan will boost the economies of Western Balkan countries, create new jobs, and accelerate their accession", Von der Leyen concluded.

Speaking about the EU enlargement plan by 2030, she emphasized that the accession process was merit-based.

Therefore, as she said, there were deadlines - "if you achieve results, you move forward".

"The war in Ukraine has led to turbulence, and EU enlargement is at the top of the agenda, candidate countries must be ready for enlargement, so it is important to take advantage of the momentum we have. Let's seize this moment to make progress. We need to do our part, both you and us, let's do it", Von der Leyen stated.