European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen visited Serbia on Wednesday, whichwas the 4th halt in Albania, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina – her journey to the Western Balkans, during which she discussed EU enlargement with regional leaders.
On Wednesday, von der Leyen met with Serbia's president Alexandar Vučici in Belgrade, where they both attended a joint press conference.
The EU policy stressed that Brussels expects Serbia to double its pace towards full EU membership, adding that Serbia must accomplish a higher level of alignment with EU abroad policy, including sanctions against Russia.
"I must commend Serbia, which has already 61% adapted to our abroad policy, but needs more. We must be able to number on Serbia as a reliable partner," she said.
Responding to a question about the ongoing student protests that are approaching the anniversary, von der Leyen stated that this is simply a crucial minute for Serbia and the time for the full nation to unite to let reforms in the country.
"This is the minute to strengthen the foundations of a strong, dynamic and effective democracy. I want to guarantee that the EU is ready to support and make all effort in this regard," said von der Leyen.
Vučić besides referred to ongoing protests caused by the fatal collapse of the construction of the fresh Sad railway station.
"This is simply a country that is the world's champion of assembly freedom, due to the fact that we had over 25,000 criminal or illegal, unregistered gatherings that we protected, secured and cared for those who illegally organized them. For the sake of clarity," said Vučić. He added that allegations of excessive usage of force by the police were unfounded.
After a Wednesday halt in Belgrade, von der Leyen went to Kosovo, where she met with leaders of the country in the capital Pristina.
Following a gathering with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, president of Kosovo, Vjos Osmani said that the country was ready to proceed its reforms and its commitment to the European future. "We have discussed jointly the implementation of the growth plan, the importance of abolishing unfair measures towards our country, as well as further steps towards our integration with the EU", she added.
Von der Leyen besides met with incumbent Prime Minister Albin Kurtim, but she did not make any public statements after her visit to Kosovo. The next and last halt of her journey to the region was Northern Macedonia.
Source: Euronews
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