At a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Costa stated that the path towards EU membership is based on trust and concrete progress in three main areas: good neighborly relations, alignment with EU policies and values, and the implementation of internal reforms.

He underlined that the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement remain essential for regional stability. He also called for progress on the rule of law, media freedom and electoral reform, in line with international recommendations.

Costa welcomed the adoption of four electoral laws last week, but stressed that Serbia must also address concerns related to the misuse of state resources and pressure on voters. The President of the European Council stressed that the EU door remains open for Serbia, but warned that the time for concrete decisions and actions is now. According to him, the pace of European integration depends on Serbia’s own commitment and determination to fulfill the required reforms.

SPEECH of the President of the European Council, António Costa, at the press conference after the meeting with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić:

“It is a pleasure to return to Belgrade, a year after my first visit. Thank you, Mr. President, for your hospitality.”

First, allow me to express my deepest condolences for the loss of the Serbian UNIFIL soldier who lost his life while performing his duty in the service of peace.

I am here, just like last year, to reconfirm the European Union’s continued commitment to Serbia’s European perspective.

In these times of global geopolitical uncertainty and economic instability, enlargement is not just an option. It is a geostrategic necessity for Europe. It is an investment in the peace, stability, security and prosperity of our continent, for the benefit of all European citizens, but also of the citizens of Serbia.

However, enlargement is based on building trust. The way forward is challenging, but the direction is clear. We must focus on three key priorities:

• Promoting good neighborly relations and regional cooperation. These are vital for both security and economic prosperity. The Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and the full implementation of the Ohrid Agreement are essential in this regard.

• Alignment with the policies and values ​​of the European Union, especially the Common Foreign and Security Policy. These are not just principles that we defend; they are the foundation of the European project and of our partnership with Serbia.

• Implementation of continuous reforms, necessary for progress in the accession process.

We encourage Serbia to accelerate reforms in three important areas:

• Rule of law, including full implementation of the Venice Commission recommendations on laws regulating the judiciary and prosecution.

• Freedom of the media, guaranteeing a suitable environment for the media and establishing a new REM Council in a transparent and inclusive manner.

• Electoral reform, in line with ODIHR recommendations before the upcoming elections in Serbia.

I welcome the adoption of four electoral laws last week as a very important step. It is now necessary to implement the remaining recommendations, including those related to preventing the misuse of state resources and pressure on voters.

I know that these reforms are not easy. They must involve all parts of society, including the opposition and civil society. The accession process is not just the government’s task; it requires the full mobilization of Serbian society.

But these efforts are worth it, because they bring Serbia closer to our common goal: membership in the European Union. We, as the European Union, are here to support Serbia on this path.

The European Union remains Serbia’s most important partner in trade, investment and strengthening democratic institutions. We want and are ready to do more. But I want to be clear: the pace of progress depends on Serbia’s own determination.

Time is of the essence. The door to the European Union remains open, but the moment for decisive action is now.

“I am convinced that by working together, with sincerity and closeness, we will achieve our common goal: for Serbia to become a full member of the European Union.