“Progress on reforms is deemed particularly important, in order for Serbia to become a part of the European family as soon as possible, because that is where Serbia’s natural place is”, stressed Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Militiadis Varvitsiotis in an interview with the Serbian news agency BETA.
“Serbia is a key partner of the European Union. The priority of the Serbian government to speed up reforms on the European path with a special emphasis on the rule of law, on the fight against organized crime and corruption, is an important step in the right direction”, he added. “In this context, we welcome the wise decision of the country to abide by the New Enlargement Methodology”, Mr. Varvitsiotis stressed.
Concerning the broader issue of EU Enlargement to the Western Balkans, the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs underlined that the Western Balkans constitute an area of strategic interest for the EU and an integral part of Europe. He also noted that the perspective of their full integration is in the interest of the Union itself, but also a key incentive for transforming and reshaping the region. At the same time, Mr. Varvitsiotis pointed out that the intention of the Slovenian Presidency of the European Council is to maintain the issue of enlargement high on the agenda, thus enhancing the credibility of the EU, with Greece actively participating in this direction. In this context, he announced that in the coming week, on September 15, a special Forum on the Western Balkans will be held in Thessaloniki, within the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe, with the participation of the Foreign Ministers of the Western Balkans, responsible for European Affairs, at the invitation of the Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs himself.
Finally, on the issue of the recognition of Kosovo’s independence, Mr. Varvitsiotis noted that Greece’s position remains unchanged, adding that Athens strongly supports the continuation of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina and that the full normalization of relations with Pristina remains a key element as regards Serbia-EU negotiations. “Following two recent meetings of the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, with the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, it is important that the two sides intensify their efforts with the aim of reaching a comprehensive, legally binding agreement, in accordance with International Law and the EU acquis”, he added.
September 9, 2021