EU Enlargement Commissioner Meets with Serbian Officials: “Serbia Has Much to Offer Europe”

She discussed cooperation between the European Commission and Serbia’s new government with Prime Minister Djuro Macut.

"We now have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to complete the unification of Europe. This is not just about enlargement. Many candidate countries have realized the need to implement reforms more swiftly than before. I would like the same to happen in Serbia – a country with a rich history and tradition, and very hardworking and innovative people," Kos said.

She emphasized that Serbia has much to offer Europe.

"Europe welcomes this. We presented our proposal to Prime Minister Macut and the Serbian people: work with us on reforms to make your EU membership possible. Work with us on establishing an independent judiciary capable of effectively combating corruption. Work with us on enforcing the law and building institutions that will ensure free media where all opinions are represented. Work with us on creating an electoral framework that ensures the will of the Serbian people is heard and acted upon," Kos stated.

She stressed that without these changes, Serbia cannot move forward.

"We know that what we are asking for closely resembles the demands of the people protesting in Serbia’s streets. Serbia has always been a country of great thinkers and a strong society, and that’s why I believe this first meeting with Prime Minister Macut was very positive. We share the view that solving societal problems requires the inclusion of all parts of society – real transformation must come from within, not from outside," Kos concluded.

Prime Minister Macut acknowledged that Serbia’s negotiations with the EU have not progressed much in the past three years but affirmed that the country is actively implementing reforms in the rule of law, judicial independence, and anti-corruption.

"Our strong commitment to European integration is an absolute priority. Under my leadership, the government will continue this process with renewed vigor. As Commissioner Kos mentioned, the process has already been lengthy. Serbia is among the countries with the longest-standing and most experienced track records in EU accession. Accelerating the opening of new clusters, such as Cluster 3, will be a key focus of this government," said Macut.

Foto: Tanjug/Miloš Milivojević

He expressed hope that education will be one of the key areas addressed during Marta Kos’s visit and emphasized the importance of reestablishing dialogue, which has stalled in recent months.

He also highlighted the significance of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans as a mechanism to accelerate economic and institutional reforms and to more closely integrate Serbia into the EU single market.

President Vucic also spoke with Marta Kos about key challenges and opportunities on Serbia’s path to EU membership, with a particular focus on reforms and the implementation of the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

"A good conversation with the EU Commissioner. I emphasized our full readiness to speed up reforms – not because of bureaucratic demands, but because we believe they will lead to a better life for our citizens," Vucic wrote on Instagram.

Foto: Tanjug/Marko Đoković

According to Vucic, Serbia sees the Growth Plan as an opportunity to accelerate economic development and strengthen institutions, bringing the country closer to the EU – not just politically, but also in substance, through tangible benefits and standards that citizens can experience.

"I believe that through serious work, responsibility, and sincere partnership with the European Union, we will take advantage of the current momentum and open a new chapter in Serbia’s EU integration process," Vucic stated.

Speaker of the Serbian National Assembly Ana Brnabic said during her meeting with the EU Enlargement Commissioner that EU membership remains Serbia’s foreign policy goal despite many challenges and that the country will continue implementing all necessary reforms – primarily for the benefit of its citizens.

According to the National Assembly's statement, Brnabic thanked Kos for her visit to Serbia and expressed hope that it would contribute to intensifying Serbia’s European integration process.

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