On his official visit to Belgrade, President of the European Council Antonio Costa emphasized that Serbia’s full alignment with EU foreign and security policy and the resolution of bilateral issues are essential for its accession to the European Union.
“The Belgrade–Pristina dialogue is a crucial point,” Costa stated during a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, as reported by Gazeta Express.
Costa made it clear that EU accession is a merit-based process, outlining specific reforms Serbia must undertake: freedom of the press, anti-corruption efforts, and electoral law reforms.
His visit follows Vučić’s recent trip to Russia on May 8–9, where the Serbian president attended the Victory Day parade and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This trip sparked concern across Europe due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
“The atmosphere in the EU… is not exactly ideal. I’m convinced that’s because of the trip to Moscow,” Costa said.
“But I believe Europe will understand progress when it is based on merit.”
Costa revealed that many had urged him to cancel his visit to Belgrade, but he disagreed with that approach.
“If we have a problem with Serbia, if we have a problem with President Vučić, the solution is not ‘don’t go’ and ‘don’t talk’—the solution is to come, to speak, to explain different perspectives.”
Following their meeting, Vučić expressed Serbia’s desire to accelerate its EU integration and to open additional negotiation chapters with the European bloc.
