Kaya Callas, the high representative of the European Union for foreign policy and security confirmed on Thursday that she is with the representatives Serbian the authorities talked about the activists who are still in custody due to the accusations that they allegedly intended to threaten the constitutional order.
"We talked about detention and how the process should be monitored. We expect all member countries and candidates to respect human rights and that must be respected in all processes," Callas said at a press conference.
Asked to comment on how the European Union views Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's statement that "judges and prosecutors who support hooliganism will not judge, but those who have honor and face", i.e. whether this is pressure on the judiciary, Kalas pointed out that the candidate countries should respect the separation of powers.
"One of the principles of the European Union is the separation of powers. You have the legislative power, the executive power and the judicial power. We also expect the separation of powers from the candidate countries in Europe," said Kalas.
About Vučić's visit to Moscow
Asked if she had spoken to Vučić about his visit to Moscow on the occasion of Victory over Fascism Day, Kalas said she told Vučić that she "doesn't understand why it is important to stand side by side with someone who is waging a terrible war."
"Candidate countries are expected to align with the Union's foreign policy," said Callas.
She stated that she also discussed the normalization of relations with Kosovo with representatives of the authorities.
"It's not just improving ties, it's essential for the future of Serbia. It's time to overcome the past and work on a common future. I invite the representatives of Belgrade and Pristina to come to Brussels as soon as possible and discuss concrete steps forward," said Kalas.
She also stated that she pointed out to Serbian officials that "there are no shortcuts" on the way to the European Union and that reforms are necessary, primarily in the area of media freedom, suppression of corruption, but also electoral reforms.
Kalas said that from the conversation with government representatives, "it is clear that membership in the European Union remains a strategic goal" of Serbia.
"But I want to emphasize that we need to see actions that will back up those words. Reforms are the way Serbia will progress on its European path. There are no shortcuts to membership. Real progress must be achieved. And the next steps are very clear. They include media freedom, suppression of corruption, electoral reforms. Reforms must be realistic, not just ticking off items on paper," Kalas said at the press conference.
"I want to see how Serbia progresses towards the EU"
Kalas announced herself on the X social network after the meetings she had with representatives of the government and the opposition in Belgrade.
"My message to the authorities in Belgrade is clear. I want to see how Serbia progresses towards the EU. For that, political leaders must implement the necessary reforms and clarify the strategic direction. This is best achieved by restoring trust and remaining faithful to democratic principles," she said in her announcement.
Visit to Pristina
After her visit to Belgrade, Kalas was in Pristina, and on Friday (May 23) she will be in Skopje.
During her visit to Pristina, Kalas said: "As a sign of our commitment, I can announce that the EU has gradually begun to lift the measures introduced in Kosovo in June 2023. The decision opens the way to great opportunities for the development of Kosovo and closer ties with Europe. But it is conditional on maintaining de-escalation in the north. The closure of structures supported by Serbia undermines efforts towards de-escalation."
In the past few days, the Kosovo authorities continued a series of closures of Serbian institutions in the north of Kosovo.
The European Union introduced measures following the decision of the Kosovo authorities to take control of municipal buildings in the north of Kosovo with the assistance of the police. However, from 2023 until today, almost all Serbian institutions have been closed, both in the south and in the north of Kosovo, writes the portal Alternativna.
"The key priority remains the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia. You are equal partners at the negotiating table. As the European Union and High Representative, I will continue to support this process. For those who still doubt the process, let me be clear - the normalization of your relations is the only way to a safer and more prosperous future for the people of this region. Stability depends on dialogue, not on confrontation," Kalas stated in her visit to Pristina.
Source: Beta/Alternative
