Von der Leyen Urges Serbia to Advance Membership Efforts
(MENAFN) During her official visit to Belgrade on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen encouraged Serbia to take substantial steps forward in its journey toward joining the European Union.
She emphasized the importance of instituting reforms and aligning more closely with the EU’s foreign policy agenda.
“Now is the moment for Serbia to get concrete about joining our Union,” von der Leyen stated during a press conference held jointly with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
She emphasized that progress is especially needed in critical areas such as “the rule of law, the electoral framework, and media freedom.”
Von der Leyen underscored that the EU's membership proposal still represents “an opportunity” and offers “the promise of peace, prosperity, and solidarity,” nearly 20 years after Serbia initially embarked on its EU accession process.
She acknowledged recent Serbian efforts aimed at reinforcing democratic institutions. “These reforms are not easy. They require patience and endurance. They must include all parts of society and the political spectrum. But they are worth the effort,” she remarked.
Additionally, von der Leyen revealed she had extended an invitation to President Vucic to visit Brussels “to take stock together in a month from now.”
The Commission President also called for Serbia to deepen its alignment with EU foreign policy, especially regarding sanctions imposed on Russia.
“I commend you for reaching 61% of alignment with our foreign policy. But more is needed. We want to count on Serbia as a reliable partner,” she said.
Lastly, von der Leyen pointed to the ongoing EU-Serbia cooperation in energy and infrastructure, referencing significant initiatives such as “the Trans-Balkan Power Corridor” and “the Serbia–Bulgaria gas interconnector,” as part of broader European investments in the region.
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