Đurić: Serbia Wants to Be an Equal Partner in the European Community

Speaking about the initiative of President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama, Đurić emphasised that it forms part of broader efforts to steer the region towards a future based on cooperation, stronger ties and the freer movement of people, goods, capital and services.

According to Đurić, while the “major players” determine the pace of accession, the countries of the region should not simply stand by and wait. Instead, they should put forward ideas and initiatives aimed at accelerating and simplifying the accession process and demonstrating that the region is not merely a place of disagreements, but also a region of hard-working people and great opportunities.

He stressed that initiatives aimed at deeper regional integration do not represent a departure from the objective of full EU membership.

“I want Serbia to have a vote. I want our voice to be heard. But I am aware that this is not entirely in our hands. That is why we do not want to wait another ten or fifteen years for others to determine the pace of the process. We want to start working now on what matters most — free access to the European market and freedom of movement for people,” the Minister said.

Đurić pointed to relations between Serbia and Albania as an example of how political initiative and direct dialogue can contribute to changing relations in the region, emphasising that, although not all issues have been resolved, it is important to demonstrate the direction in which the region wishes to move.

“I do not want Serbia to be the ‘Puerto Rico of Europe’. I want Serbia to have a vote and to be an equal partner,” Đurić said.

Speaking about the European integration process, Đurić noted that accession to the European Union should not be viewed solely in terms of fulfilling a technical checklist of requirements, but rather as becoming part of a political community based on shared interests.

“Of course, we can tick every box on the checklist, and we should do so. But the essence is for us to be included as equal partners in a community of equal states. We will not give up on that objective,” the Serbian Foreign Minister said.

Đurić emphasised that Serbia continues to implement reforms, particularly in the area of the rule of law, while noting that progress should also be assessed on the basis of tangible results, including investor confidence and economic development.

Turning to relations between Serbia and the United States of America, the Minister emphasised that they have improved significantly over the past two years, including through the establishment and development of the Strategic Dialogue.

“Our relations with the United States have advanced considerably. Today, we cooperate in the fields of energy, defence, science and education, and this cooperation is important both for our society and as part of the broader transatlantic framework,” Đurić said, also referring to the frequency of his meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

With regard to regional cooperation, Đurić particularly highlighted the importance of freedom of movement and the removal of unnecessary barriers.

“We live in the 21st century. Sovereignty and territorial integrity do not have to be guaranteed by a metal barrier in the middle of a local road and someone asking you to show an identity document. There are more modern ways of regulating these matters,” Đurić said.

According to Đurić, stronger cooperation among the countries of the region in the areas of customs, policing and other institutional matters can contribute to the freer movement of people and goods, economic growth and the reduction of tensions.

“A Schengen area for the Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova would benefit everyone. It would be a clear win for all,” Đurić concluded.