Đurić: EU membership will bring stability to Western Balkans, weaken ethnic nationalism

Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, speaking at a meeting in Brussels, emphasized that the integration process with the European Union (EU) is Serbia's top foreign policy priority and stated that efforts on the membership path are being intensified. Đurić said that Serbia sees its future within the European Union and has taken strategic steps in this direction, noting that the membership process is a critical turning point not only for his country but for the entire region. The Minister highlighted the fact that sustainable peace and prosperity in the Balkans are only possible through European integration, stating that this process is irreversible and will continue at full speed.

Đurić also addressed the benefits of EU membership for the wider Western Balkans, arguing that this step would bring much greater stability and tranquility to the region and increase the strength and credibility of Balkan countries in the international arena. Đurić stated that the standards and institutional structure provided by the EU would facilitate the replacement of archaic political understandings in the region with more modern and transparent governance approaches, which would directly reflect on social welfare in the long term. Furthermore, he underlined the importance of the EU door for the flow of funds and investments necessary for the region's economic development, adding that union membership would act as a security umbrella and strengthen regional resilience against external interventions.

In one of the most striking parts of his speech, Minister Đurić openly addressed the reality of ethnic nationalism, predicting that the EU membership process would significantly weaken and minimize the impact of this dangerous trend. He argued that the culture of cooperation and dialogue required by the union structure would consign ethnic divisions and conflict environments to history, bringing a common European identity and citizenship consciousness to the fore instead. Đurić emphasized that Serbia needs to play a pioneering role in this regard and will continue to contribute actively to the regional reconciliation process by normalizing relations with its neighbors, thus preventing past disagreements from turning into future concerns.

Recalling that regional reconciliation is one of the cornerstones of Serbia's foreign policy vision, Đurić announced that the dialogue channels established with neighboring countries are growing stronger every day and that these relations are based on mutual respect. The Minister added that during his contacts in Brussels, he conveyed to officials the progress Serbia has made regarding EU harmonization laws and standards, and that their determination and technical preparations in this regard are sustainable. Đurić stated that the EU's enlargement policy should be seen as a strategic investment and that this process is an indispensable part not only for Serbia but for the security and stability of all of Europe.

On the other hand, Đurić stated that they are sensitive to protecting Serbia's identity and national interests, arguing that the EU membership process is not one that eliminates Serbia's identity or cultural richness, but rather that diversity is strengthened by blending with European values. He expressed that reform work and the liberalization of the economy aim to improve the living standards of the Serbian people, and that they are proceeding with patience and discipline on this long and arduous path. Finally, the Minister added that they are focused on fulfilling the conditions necessary to open negotiation chapters with the reforms to be carried out in the upcoming period and that they are approaching the end with constructive cooperation with Brussels.