Vucic: Goal – accelerated progress of Serbia towards the EU

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated this evening that the fact that European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hosted the Serbian president demonstrates how much Serbia is a respected country. He announced that the goal is to accelerate progress on the path to the EU.

"I am very honored, as the president of a small country, to have had the opportunity to talk with the president of the European Council and the president of the European Commission. I have visited Brussels countless times, met them and their predecessors in numerous places, and hosted them in Serbia. However, I have never had the honor of being hosted by the president of the European Council and the president of the European Commission, nor has anyone else from Serbia. Just a few days ago, I had dinner at the residence of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. I believe this speaks volumes about the respect shown towards our country, proving that Serbia is a respected nation and that significant attention is being paid to it," Vucic said.

He conveyed that the key topic of discussion was Serbia’s European future and, in line with that, the political situation in the region, as well as the necessity of maintaining stability and peace.

"We discussed the economic situation and matters related to the rule of law that Serbia must address to secure the opening of Clusters 3, 2, and 5. In Cluster 6, we have already opened one of the two chapters. Our goal is to open at least Clusters 3 and 2 by the end of the year and to accelerate our progress towards the EU," he stated.

Vucic emphasized that Serbia has a lot to accomplish in this regard but expressed confidence that significant progress would be made in the next month concerning the Law on Voter Registers, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM), and media laws.

He reported that discussions with EU leaders also covered economic issues, investments, the EU’s interest in mineral resources, and joint projects.

"We also talked about the defense industry. The investments the EU has planned for the defense sector also apply to candidate countries," he underscored.

Vucic highlighted that the conversation primarily focused on Serbia's strategic path and how committed Serbia wants and is able to be.

"I stated that Serbia will be absolutely dedicated to this goal," Vucic stressed.

He mentioned that he conveyed expectations for a decision soon regarding the formation of a new government or elections, emphasizing that there had been no "loud cannons" and that Serbia was ready for verification.

"We did not use it and have nothing to hide. I believe they could see the patience and determination we have shown in preserving complete peace," Vucic said.

He expressed satisfaction with the discussion, saying he believes it was highly significant for Serbia’s future and that its effects will be visible soon.

When asked about the "tone" of the dinner with European officials, he responded that it was a warm, friendly, and open conversation among responsible individuals who have known each other for a long time.