Đurić: Serbia supports a united Europe, but also a cooperative and united Balkans

18. Jun 2025.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia, Marko Đurić, stated that Serbia is a country that deserves an equal place in the European Union and advocates for a united and cohesive Europe, as well as for a cooperative and unified Balkan region, which it aims to anchor as a pillar of peace and stability. He added that this is the message he intends to convey to the representatives of European countries gathered in the Italian city of Taormina.

Minister Đurić is leading the Serbian delegation in Taormina, at a gathering of European state representatives organized by Italy to mark the 70th anniversary of the historic Messina Conference—one of the key milestones in the formation of the European Union.

The Minister emphasized that this is a historic event for Europe, which laid the foundations for the modern EU, and that its anniversary presents an opportunity to assess where Europe stands today and how it responds to the critical challenges facing not only the continent but the entire world.

"That’s why I’m certain that, in addition to European topics, discussions here will also include the crisis in the Middle East, energy challenges... Ministers from our region are also present, ministers from the Balkans, and I will strive to send the message that Serbia, on one hand, is a country that deserves equal status in the EU, and on the other hand, supports a cooperative and united Balkans, united in collaboration, mutual respect, and equality among peoples and states," Đurić said.

The Serbian Foreign Minister announced that, in his address at the summit, he will present the reforms undertaken by Serbia, its economic progress, as well as the fact that—through Expo and various forms of cooperation in which Serbia plays a leading role—the country serves as a constructive and positive force.

“These are not easy times for Europe, and not easy times for the Balkans. Serbia stands firmly on its feet, extending a hand of cooperation. Just as 70 years ago in Messina six countries formed what would become the European Union—an enormous multinational organization and a center of global power—today Serbia aspires to be a pillar of stability and peace in the Balkans, and above all, a driver of progress for all people living in our region,” Minister Đurić concluded.