Đurić: Serbia firmly believes in a European future founded on respect for our national interests

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, stated this evening in Luxembourg—where he is participating, at the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, in an informal dinner with Western Balkan foreign ministers—that he expects an important discussion on Serbia’s European future.

“We are expecting a discussion on the situation in our region, and I have several important messages to convey. First and foremost, Serbia firmly believes in a European future—one that must and can only be based on the respect for our national interests, on mutual respect, and on the application of standards that must be equally upheld for all,” Đurić stated.

He added that this includes equal standards for Serbs in Kosovo and Metohija, whom he described as one of the most discriminated ethnic groups in Europe, expressing confidence that the talks would also address the situation of the Serbian community in light of the recent elections held in Kosovo and Metohija.

“We will also discuss how, in the coming period, we can accelerate reforms so that our society can reach the level of standards—in institutional functioning, in the economy, and in regional cooperation—necessary to make tangible progress on our European path,” the Minister emphasized.

Đurić underlined that he would highlight the scale and nature of Serbia’s contribution to preserving stability in what he described as a highly challenging regional context, particularly by resisting forces that seek to exploit geopolitical turbulence to undermine stability and advance selfish agendas.

“For more than a decade, Serbia has consistently demonstrated its commitment to European values through a responsible and constructive approach. We hope, believe, and wish for this to be recognized and rewarded through the opening of new accession clusters,” Đurić noted.

He also expressed confidence that the newly elected government in Serbia—expected to be formed in the coming days—will prioritize Serbia’s accession to the European Union as a matter of national importance.

“This has been a national priority for us in the past as well. Here, we will present further arguments as to why our membership—meaning the accession of seven million hardworking, courageous, capable, and determined people—is something that would be of great benefit to Europe,” Đurić emphasized.

He concluded by stating that Serbia expects an equal place at the table.

“A few months ago, I said here that we do not want to be some kind of ‘Puerto Rico of Europe.’ We want to be fully equal. I say this with great respect for the European Union, but also with deep respect for the proud state-building tradition of our people and the contribution I am convinced we already make—and will continue to make—in the future,” concluded Foreign Minister Marko Đurić.