Đurić: European integration – a shared responsibility of the entire society

The Serbian foreign minister emphasized that the European integration process is a responsibility borne by society as a whole, stressing the need to build a broad consensus, given that this endeavor does not belong to any single political party, leader, or government, but to the entire community — from state institutions and the opposition to civil society.

He noted that an intensive and proactive Serbian outreach effort is underway in Brussels, in the course of which Serbia is presenting to senior EU officials and the European public the reform steps taken over the preceding weeks and months. He stated that Serbia is approaching this process with renewed energy and a clear objective: to strengthen its ties with the European Union — a community with which Serbia conducts over 62 percent of its economic exchange, and with the wider region as much as 77 percent.

Serbia, he stressed, seeks concrete agreements on accelerating the pace of European integration, making use of the current moment in which support for EU enlargement is growing in several European capitals.

Đurić underscored that Serbia has accelerated its reforms and that he has come to Brussels to present the results, seeking support for the preparations to open Cluster 3, as well as for Serbia’s overall efforts to build a national consensus on its European path.

“We must not allow ourselves to fall behind the countries in our neighborhood that will soon gain the right to participate in decision-making at the European table,” Minister Đurić stressed. He emphasized that Serbia must act responsibly — economically, politically, and in terms of security.

He reaffirmed that Serbia firmly safeguards its national interests in Brussels, both regarding Kosovo and Metohija and concerning the position of the Serbian people throughout the region.

Đurić noted that he is encouraged by the messages of support for Serbia’s European path sent by President Macron, as well as by the new German government, including Chancellor Merz and other senior representatives. He recalled that Serbia has doubled its GDP over the past decade and today possesses the administrative and economic capacities that place it among the regional leaders in terms of development. According to him, additional reform efforts will enable Serbia to take its rightful place within the European family — not at the expense of anyone.

He also drew attention to the need for a more responsible approach across the entire region, stressing that Western Balkan countries must cease lobbying against one another and instead send a strong message of cooperation and stability.

“Let us stop speaking ill of one another. Let us stop undermining one another,” Đurić stated. He added that Serbia aspires to an equal place within the European Union, as a nation and state with much to offer.

He recalled that the European Commission has, for the fifth consecutive year, recommended the opening of Cluster 3 — a significant signal that should be duly recognized. He called on EU member states to support Serbia, noting that opening the cluster would be a gain for the whole of society — for the government and the opposition, for pensioners, students, and all citizens.

He underlined that the Government of Serbia and its institutions will do everything administratively and politically possible to accelerate the process, adding that there is a strong and active Serbian presence in Brussels today — from the visit of the Speaker of the National Assembly to the President of the Republic’s ongoing dialogue with European leaders.