The European Union (EU) has called for restraint in public statements that could undermine efforts to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo, stressing that dialogue remains the only path toward progress and European integration.
“Only through dialogue can progress be achieved in the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. Statements and actions that do not contribute to this objective should be avoided,” a European Commission spokesperson said in response to questions about recent remarks made by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić regarding Kosovo.
The spokesperson further emphasized that progress in the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue is a prerequisite for both sides to advance on their respective European paths.
On July 25, during a ceremony marking the promotion of newly commissioned officers of the Serbian Armed Forces in Belgrade, Vučić stated that strengthening Serbia’s military, maintaining military neutrality, and defending the country’s territorial integrity remain among Serbia’s highest national priorities.
Addressing the new officers, Vučić said that the oath they had taken obliges them to respect Serbia’s Constitution and defend the country’s territorial integrity. He added that both the officers and the Serbian leadership would face various forms of pressure but insisted that preserving Serbia’s territorial integrity remains of paramount importance.
Vučić also reiterated Belgrade’s official position that “Kosovo is part of Serbia,” citing both Serbia’s Constitution and what he described as “God’s justice.”
