Minister Đurić at the “Euronews Adria” Summit: Cooperation and Regional Stability as Pillars of Europe’s Future

Minister Đurić noted that Serbia has made significant progress in relations with most of its eight neighboring countries, underscoring that Serbia’s goal is for the region to become an area of peace and economic growth. In this context, he assessed that the initiative of the United States to use economic cooperation as a tool for overcoming divisions represented an important step toward building a new type of relationship in the Western Balkans.

The Minister highlighted that Washington’s constructive engagement in the process of normalizing relations between Belgrade and Pristina is both useful and necessary, but warned that in recent years this process has been hindered by unilateral actions of the Pristina authorities and a campaign of pressure against the Serbian community in Kosovo and Metohija.

“We are dealing with an establishment in Pristina that is not oriented toward dialogue with Belgrade and that seeks, through unilateral measures, to create a new political map,” Minister Đurić stated, adding that Serbia expects clear signals from the international community that such moves are unacceptable.

On the topic of energy security, Minister Đurić underlined that Serbia approaches the diversification of energy supply sources and the development of renewable energy with responsibility. He particularly commended cooperation with Hungary, noting that this country, immediately after the introduction of sanctions against NIS, expressed readiness to assist Serbia in maintaining its energy security.

The head of Serbian diplomacy reminded that Serbia remains a country with one of the lowest electricity prices in Europe and that its energy stability has never been endangered.

Speaking about European integration, Minister Đurić reiterated Serbia’s commitment to reforms in the fields of the rule of law and public administration, adding that the European Commission’s recommendation to open Cluster 3 represents a strong signal that the country’s efforts have been recognized.

Regarding relations with neighbors, Minister Đurić highlighted the example of excellent cooperation with Hungary and the 2013 Declaration of Historical Reconciliation, which, as he noted, has become a European example of how a firm alliance can emerge from a complex past.

Minister Đurić emphasized that Serbia strives for the best possible relations with all its neighbors and believes in the strength of close, brotherly, and friendly ties.

“I believe that within our region we must treat each other as the best of friends—not only in bilateral relations but also in our joint engagement with Brussels, Washington, and other decision-making centers,” Minister Đurić stated.

He concluded that cooperation and stability are the foundation of the region’s future prosperity.

Minister Đurić took part in the panel “The Region Between East and West” alongside the Ambassadors of Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro to Serbia — József Magyar, Aleksandar Vranješ, and Nebojša Đoković.