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Serbia has its place in the EU if it accelerates reforms, according to Paris

by AI | 16.Jan 2026 | Europe in brief AI

Serbia’s place is in the European Union, the French foreign minister said Friday from Belgrade, while insisting on the institutional and judicial reforms needed to speed up its accession, a call that was heard by his Serbian counterpart.

The French Foreign Minister, Jean-Noël Barrot (left), shakes hands with his Serbian counterpart, Marko Djuric, during a joint press conference in Belgrade on January 16, 2026. (Photo: Andrej Isakovic / AFP)

Belgrade – Serbia has been a candidate for the EU since 2012 and accession negotiations have been underway since 2014. But its integration is slowed by the absence of major reforms, normalization problems with Kosovo, its ties considered too close with Russia, and challenges in good governance and human rights.

“ Serbia’s place is in Europe and in the European Union, in a greater Europe, the only one capable of facing major challenges,” Jean-Noël Barrot said at a press conference with his counterpart, Marko Duric.

The French minister told AFP that he had reminded “ the Serbian authorities what the conditions set by the EU and its member states are for Serbia to be able to continue its progress” towards accession, in particular regarding “ respect for media pluralism and the independence of the judiciary.”

“ I assure you that Serbia will redouble its efforts for its reforms and join the Union as soon as possible,” Marko Duric said at the press conference, a recurring promise from the Serbian authorities. (16 January 2026)