FDPM and FM Dačić spoke with Oliver Varheji

02. Dec 2022.
The First Deputy Prime Minister of the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ivica Dačić, met today with the EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dačić underlined that the membership of the Republic of Serbia in the European Union is one of the main priorities of Serbian foreign policy and a strategic commitment. Dačić emphasized that Serbia remains fully committed to the reform process and the improvement of all spheres of our society, and welcomed the three agreements that were signed today - the framework agreement on financial partnership between Serbia and the European Commission on the arrangements for implementation of EU financial assistance to the Republic of Serbia within of the IPA III program, followed by an agreement on migration support and access to health care, and an agreement on EU support to Serbia in migration management, strengthening the migration management system, and border control.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Dačić expressed gratitude for the financial support that we as a region receive from the EU, which is of inestimable importance for the implementation of reforms on the European path.

The European Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Olivér Várhelyi, said that great attention is paid to EU-Serbia relations and enlargement policy because EU membership is the only real, long-term solution for peace and prosperity.

Dačić also said that Serbia continues to work on improving regional cooperation, which directly contributes to the building of mutual trust, the process of reconciliation and encourages overall development towards full EU membership.

The two officials agreed that all efforts should be focused on the continuation of the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, since dialogue is the only right way to resolve open issues, as well as to reach a sustainable agreement.

The European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi pointed out that without the engagement on both sides, the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina cannot be successful.

The two officials discussed the progressive alignment of Serbia's visa and foreign policy with the EU. Dačić underlined that Serbia is ready to work with European partners on the issue of illegal migration and is gradually harmonizing its visa and foreign policy with EU policy.