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Remarks by President António Costa at the joint press conference with President of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić

European Council / Council of the European Union

European Council
Statements and remarks
13 May 2025 11:00

Thank you for your welcome, hospitality, and for a good meeting.

In December, when I started my mandate as the President of the European Council, I sent a clear signal of my personal commitment and of the priority I attach to the enlargement of the European Union towards the Western Balkans. And today, I start here, in Serbia, my visit to all the six Western Balkans partners.

This is the fourth time we have met since I took office last December. The accession process is a trust-building process. This is a very positive moment in the European Union for enlargement. And it offers a clear opportunity for Serbia to build upon it. The EU remains strongly committed to the accession of Serbia as a stable, peaceful and prosperous country, having dealt with the legacy of the past and having chosen to embrace its democratic and European future.

I was glad to hear that EU integration remains a top priority for you and the new government. What is important now is that this swiftly translates into concrete actions and the acceleration of reforms.

As you know, accession is a merit-based process. What needs to be done as a next step in order to open Cluster 3 is very clear, and it is what we previously agreed to do: enhance media freedom, fight corruption and reform the electoral law. It is good to hear from you, dear Aleksandar, what you are doing to move forward.

This is not an exercise of ticking boxes - these reforms will bring tangible benefits to Serbian citizens. The full alignment with the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy and the resolution of bilateral issues are also essential elements for your accession. The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue is a crucial point.

And of course, we cannot ignore in this regard that, as you know, the key elements of our Common Foreign and Security Policy include a clear condemnation of Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine, and support to Ukraine to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Dear Aleksandar, enlargement is based on building trust. I know that a lot of people, not only in Serbia, but in the whole region, have lost their faith in this process. And I came here today to assure you of my personal engagement and the European Union's full commitment to deliver on enlargement.

I believe Serbia's future is in the European Union. The ball is in your court now. And, please, we cannot waste time, for the future will not wait: we must open Cluster 3 and must continue to accomplish the successful accession of Serbia to the European Union.