Marko Djuric meets with Germany’s Foreign Minister: "Serbia wants to join the EU as soon as possible"

“We believe that Serbia’s future and place are in Europe,” Djuric emphasized at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He stressed that Germany is a key partner for Serbia-not only in terms of economic cooperation but also regarding reforms on the European path.

“Serbia wants to become an EU member as soon as possible,” Djuric said, adding that EU membership is a strategic goal for Serbia.

He added that Serbia sees in the EU an opportunity to change the paradigm of relations in the region and to create a different future.

After meeting with Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Djuric stated that the alignment rate with EU foreign policy is at a record-high level - now close to 70 percent compared to slightly below 50 percent last year.

“Today it is close to 70 percent, and I want to assure both the Serbian and German public that this percentage will continue to be as high as possible,” Djuric said in response to a question from a German journalist regarding Serbia’s foreign policy.

He explained that accepting the EU’s foreign and security policy also means active participation in shaping it.

Foto: Tanjug/Dejan Živančević

“This will require us to carry out various reforms, but we must also keep in mind that Serbia has certain national interests in the region and issues that stem from decades behind us, which we will try to resolve in a constructive manner with the mediation of the EU and cooperation with our partners, so that Serbia can fully realize its potential in the EU’s foreign and security policy. I think I cannot be clearer at this moment - there is no ambiguity: our path is the path to the EU,” Djuric emphasized.

Wadephul: Serbia and Germany are connected

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that Belgrade and Berlin are connected and that Serbia is part of the European family.

“Germany and Serbia have long been closely connected, both economically and through numerous personal ties. Many German companies successfully operate in Serbia, and Germany is Serbia’s most important trading partner. A large number of people of Serbian origin have found their home in Germany. These connections are of immense value. Serbia is part of our European family and should have the opportunity to participate in the EU’s community of values,” Wadephul said.

He stated in Belgrade that “there is no negotiation when it comes to freedom of speech and assembly,” and that this applies to EU candidate countries as well.

“Peaceful gatherings must be allowed,” Wadephul said, adding that he believes democratic elections give Serbia the opportunity to choose its path in the right way, emphasizing that he has “no doubt that this will be the case.”

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