Photo: Tanjug/Nemanja JovanovićThe President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, explained during her visit to Belgrade that the de facto recognition of Kosovo's independence actually means the implementation of the agreement agreed in Ohrid. She emphasized that enlargement is at the top of the EU agenda and that there is a desire for Serbia to join
During her visit to Belgrade, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić.
After the meeting, Vučić said at a press conference that they had "good talks" that will continue during the day.
On the occasion of the de facto recognition of Kosovo's independence, Von der Leyen said that it is about the implementation of the Ohrid Agreement, which foresees various steps that include the recognition of Kosovo's documents and institutions by Serbia, and that goes along with the establishment of the Union of Serbian Municipalities (USO), that should be implemented by Kosovo .
She emphasized that this would pave the way for the normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo, which, as she emphasized, is a necessary prerequisite for the European path.
The high-ranking EU official also said that the "violent attack" that took place on September 24 in the town of Banjska in the north of Kosovo is completely unacceptable, and that the perpetrators must be brought to justice.
She called on Serbia to support the European proposal for the ZSO statute, and Kosovo to implement it.
It is not a question for Serbia
President Vučić, on the other hand, said that the recognition of Kosovo's independence is not an issue for Serbia, and that he is not ashamed to repeat it before the President of the European Commission.
"We know what our obligations are from the dialogue and we are ready to fulfill them," said Vučić.
Vučić said that he conveyed to the President of the European Commission the same thing he told the European leaders at the recent meetings in Brussels - that Serbia is committed to preserving peace and stability, that it knows its obligations, but also that it is clear what it cannot do contrary to its Constitution.
"We know what Serbia accepted, and what we talked about, debated and reached conclusions about in the Assembly. We will take a responsible approach to fulfilling our obligations, expecting that others will fulfill their obligations from 11 years ago," said Vučić, pointing out that Pristina has not yet formed the ZSO, although it committed to it in the Brussels Agreement of 2013.
Vučić reiterated that the European proposal for the ZSO statute is a good basis for talks, and that Serbia is ready to continue further talks.
"If you want to be completely honest, I'm afraid that we won't see the ZSO soon, because I know all the Balkan tricks very well, I've learned to recognize them from a long time ago, and I'm afraid that we will be in a more difficult position," said Vučić.
He underlined that the essence is for Serbia to make more concessions, which, he said, is also logical, bearing in mind the attitudes of the EU member states on Kosovo.
"Every time we are surprised where these attitudes come from." These are simply their views, and they are much milder views than what I hear at the meetings," emphasized Vučić.
He said that there are no easy and beautiful things, but that Serbia must "push forward" and develop.
Plan for the Western Balkans,
Von der Leyen emphasized that she had excellent talks with Vučić today, and that the first message is that enlargement is at the top of the EU agenda.
"It is a time of global turbulence, we need to strengthen the unity and security of our continent," Von der Leyen said, stressing that enlargement is the best solution that promises peace and prosperity.
"It is a unique opportunity that no one else can match, I am convinced that you will take advantage of this moment." Serbia is already one of the most advanced countries in European integration, and we want you to continue to get closer to us," she said and called on Serbia to harmonize its foreign policy with the European one.
Von der Leyen praised the development of the Serbian economy, and that the per capita income in Serbia is currently at 44 percent of the EU average.
"We want to be even closer, and in order to be closer we already have an investment plan of 30 billion euros, which quickly brings results, such as the wind farm in Kostolac and the gas interconnector between Serbia and Bulgaria," said Von der Leyen.
The plan for the Western Balkans, as she explained, implies the opening of the European market for companies from the region, while at the same time creating a common regional market.
"The potential is huge. When it is completed, we can increase the GDP in the Western Balkans by 10 percent," emphasized Von der Leyen, stressing that it is necessary for the candidate countries to implement reforms.
Media laws are the culmination of important reforms
She said that Serbia, by adopting amendments to media laws, completed important reforms in that area, but that it is important to continue working in other areas as well, such as the independence of the judiciary, improvement of the business environment, education...
"The admissions process is based on merit, that's important, because if you achieve results, you go forward." That is why it is fair that we only have such a process based on merit," she said.
The President of the EC stressed that the enlargement is a two-sided process, for which both candidate countries and EU member states must prepare.
During her visit to the Western Balkans, von der Leyen visited Montenegro this morning, and tomorrow she will visit Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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