go to the original language article
BEOGRAD – The German Foreign Minister Johan Vadeful stated today after a meeting with the Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić that Belgrade and Berlin are connected and that Serbia is part of the European family.
”Germany and Serbia have been closely connected for a long time, both economically and through numerous personal contacts. Many German companies successfully operate in Serbia, and Germany is Serbia’s most important trading partner. A large number of people of Serbian origin have found their home in Germany. These connections have invaluable value. Serbia is part of our European family and should have the opportunity to participate in the EU community of values,” said Vadeful.
Vadeful thanked for the hospitality and assessed that they had interesting and constructive discussions. He emphasized that there is already a lot connecting Serbia and EU countries. “We want to further expand these ties. Be assured that Germany will be a close partner in this,” Vadeful stressed. He pointed out that the promise made by the EU to the Western Balkan countries in Thessaloniki in 2002 still holds and that they discussed how they can jointly advocate for more cooperation and for the defense of European values, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in that open spirit of trust.
“I explained that Serbia, as the strongest economy and the country with the largest population in the Western Balkans, has a special significance. We did not agree on all issues, but we agreed that there are many areas for even closer cooperation. Specifically, regarding energy supply and increasing the use of renewable energy sources, we can expand our cooperation. Our goals, among other things, are to strengthen independence from Russia. We also discussed the security of Europe,” said Vadeful.
Vadeful pointed out that the United Nations Security Council in New York adopted a resolution that will enable the implementation of a 20-point plan so that peacekeeping troops can operate and humanitarian aid can be provided to the population in Gaza.
”The Federal Government explicitly welcomes this. It is good news and shows that the United Nations system is functioning,” Vadeful assessed.
He added that the Federal Republic of Germany has always been clear that this resolution is a decisive key for a peaceful future, for peace between Israel and Palestine, and that it is a good path.
”The Federal Government is also ready to assist in the reconstruction process of Gaza and to play a constructive role in that. We are now waiting for Egypt, which we see in a leading role, to call all actors. We are ready to go to Cairo to take measures to calm the situation in Gaza, to improve the lives of people, and to initiate constructive talks for the peaceful coexistence of Israelis and Palestinians in this region,” said Vadeful. Speaking about Ukraine, Vadeful said that the country is facing a difficult wartime winter and that Ukraine’s defense capabilities need to be strengthened. ”Assistance to Ukraine is not only financial and military but also political,” said Vadeful, reminding that the EU has adopted the 19th package of sanctions against Russia.
After pointing out the wartime events in Ukraine and Gaza, Vadeful said that the EU promises people that they will live safely, freely, and in prosperity. ”This promise binds us as EU member states as well as countries undergoing the EU accession process. To become part of this common, peaceful project, progress in reforms is needed, primarily in the area of the rule of law and in the fight against corruption. This is not a simple process, and there are no shortcuts,” said Vadeful.
In this regard, he stated that he expects the Government of Serbia to advance the necessary reforms and that Serbia needs to clearly express its commitment to European values and policies.
”It is the obligation of authorities and decision-makers to ensure the right to peaceful protest. The rule of law and respect for free assembly and expression are non-negotiable. They are the fundamental pillars supported by an active civil society and free media. Without this, a democratic and free society cannot flourish,” said Vadeful. He added that Germany and the EU are ready to be partners to Serbia on its path to the EU to achieve progress there.
”Dialogue on the normalization of relations with Kosovo under EU leadership is inevitable. The Ohrid Agreement is binding and must be implemented. This applies to both sides, both Serbia and Kosovo. The Berlin Process is an important catalyst on the path to the EU. I am pleased that Serbia is actively participating in this. And I promise that the Federal Government will continue to play an important role in this. It is now crucial to achieve concrete progress,” Vadeful assessed.
He emphasized that the mobility agreements concluded in the Western Balkan region in recent years must be implemented and that it is about complete freedom of movement, unhindered access to higher education institutions, recognition of university diplomas, and the creation of a common regional market.
“In short, it is about concrete facilitation for the people living here. And they are important because real rapprochement will only occur when trust grows throughout the region. This is not simple, but the effort is worth it, as our goal is clear – all six Western Balkan countries should become part of the EU,” Vadeful stated.
When asked by journalists how the Federal Government of Germany reacts to gatherings such as the protests that have been happening in Serbia over the past year, Vadeful said that they are putting everything into ensuring that a dialogue is maintained at the state level in Serbia that will take all aspects into account.
“For the EU, freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are not negotiable. They are the fundamental pillars of our democratic order and rights, and we expect every candidate country to demonstrate this in practice and to accept it in the sense that peaceful protests are enabled, and that free democratic elections will determine the path Serbia will take. We have no doubt that all this will be enabled,” said Vadeful.
He added that the German delegation will also talk with leaders of civil society in Serbia about the protests. The German Foreign Minister Johan Vadeful began his visit to the Western Balkans on Sunday, and according to the announcement from the German Embassy in Serbia, he will be in Belgrade today as well. He arrived in Belgrade on Monday and met with the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. The focus of the visit, as stated in the announcement from the German Embassy in Serbia, is the progress and challenges in the EU enlargement process, confirming Germany’s role as a country that closely monitors the region on its path to the European Union, including through the Berlin Process. (November 18)