EU ADOPTED DECLARATION WITHOUT SERBIA: Here is what hinders Belgrade the most on the path to EU membership!

At today’s EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels, a joint declaration was agreed upon in which it was emphasized that the Russian war against Ukraine and growing geopolitical challenges highlight the need for ever stronger ties between the EU and the Western Balkans, and the “full and unequivocal commitment (of the EU) to the membership perspective of that region in the Union” was confirmed. It was welcomed that the partners from the Western Balkans agreed with the declaration, with the note that Serbia did not do so, which is understandable, given that it had no representatives of its own.

It was pointed out that the lack of normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade continues to slow down both partners on their European path.

“All agreements reached in the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue mediated by the EU must be implemented, especially the Agreement on the Path to Normalization and its Annex. Support within the framework of the Instrument for Reforms and Growth of the Western Balkans is conditioned by the constructive engagement of the partners with measurable progress and tangible results in the normalization of their relations,” it is indicated.

EU leaders welcomed, as they stated, “the new dynamics and progress achieved since the last summit.”

“The acceleration of the accession process, which continues to be based on credible reforms of the partners, fair and rigorous conditions, and the principle of own merits, is in our mutual interest. Enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability, and prosperity, as stated in the Granada Declaration. The urgencies of our time require sustained momentum. Countries wishing to become members must intensify their reform efforts. In parallel, the Union must strengthen its internal foundations and reforms,” the leaders of the Union message.

Also, they expect from the partners from the Western Balkans to show respect for European values and principles in both words and deeds, by taking responsibility and implementing necessary reforms, especially in the area of fundamental issues.

“Freedom of expression, independent and pluralistic media, gender equality, and a strong role for civil society are key to ensuring a functional democracy. The EU calls on partners to guarantee the rights of members of minorities and equal treatment for them,” the declaration states.

It is emphasized that inclusive regional cooperation, reconciliation, and good neighborly relations remain key to building a shared future, as well as for the implementation of international agreements in good faith and with tangible results, including the Prespa Agreement with Greece and the Treaty of Friendship, Good Neighborliness, and Cooperation with Bulgaria.

“Decisive additional efforts are needed to foster reconciliation and regional stability, as well as to find and implement final, inclusive, and binding solutions for regional and bilateral disputes of partners and issues arising from the legacy of the past, in accordance with international law and established principles, including the Agreement on Succession Issues, as well as remaining cases of missing persons and war crimes issues,” it is stated.

Unity in “unwavering support and solidarity with Ukraine” was highlighted, as well as that alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy remains a strong expression of the strategic orientation of the partners.

“We commend those partners from the Western Balkans who are already fully aligned and call on those who have not yet done so to follow their example,” it is indicated. Among the latter is Serbia, which has not aligned regarding measures against Russia.

EU leaders are, as they stated, committed to bringing the partners from the Western Balkans closer to the EU already during the enlargement process.

“Gradual integration, which is implemented in a way that is reversible and based on merit, takes place in several political fields, bringing concrete benefits to citizens in advance and preparing the ground for accession. Additional proposals on gradual integration should be considered, along with alignment with the relevant EU acquis. Progress in economic integration should fully preserve the integrity of the EU single market and equal conditions for all,” it is messaged.

It is added that the Growth Plan will accelerate socio-economic convergence between the Western Balkans and the EU, provided that the partners implement EU-related reforms.

“The Growth Plan has the potential to accelerate economic growth in the region over the next decade, providing up to six billion euros for reforms and investments. This amount does not count the 29 billion euros realized through the Economic and Investment Plan. The EU calls for the maximum utilization of the unprecedented opportunities provided by the Growth Plan through the timely implementation of reforms,” it is stated.

It is also emphasized that the Common Regional Market is a catalyst for deeper integration and a stepping stone toward the EU Single Market.

“The European Union calls on the partners from the Western Balkans to fully commit to constructive cooperation on achieving this and to implement the agreements already reached,” the declaration says.

It adds that the Union will continue to support ongoing efforts to diversify sources and routes of energy supply, as well as strengthening connectivity, including energy, transport, and digital within the region and with the EU.

Migration management is mentioned as a common challenge, with the note that additional measures by Western Balkan partners are needed to fully align their visa policy with the EU, suppress migrant smuggling and human trafficking, and further strengthen border management, asylum and reception systems, as well as returns to countries of origin.

Also, it is pointed out that joint efforts in the fight against corruption, drug trafficking, and all forms of serious and organized crime need to continue.

The President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, said last night that he would not go to Brussels for the EU-Western Balkans Summit, that is, that Serbia would not have its representative.

“For the first time in the last 13 or 14 years, neither I, nor anyone else, will go to that intergovernmental conference. No one will represent the Republic of Serbia, so the Western Balkans will be without the Republic of Serbia,” the president told RTS.

He stated that he made such a decision so that no one else would be to blame and so that the Government would not suffer any pressures.