BRUSSELS – Ana Brnabić, the President of the National Assembly of Serbia, expressed in Brussels today the need for Serbia to seize the favorable momentum in the EU’s enlargement agenda. She stated the commitment to push for the opening of Cluster 3 in the accession talks with the EU by year’s end, highlighting that progress towards EU membership relies on the collective efforts of the entire society. Following the first conference on EU enlargement hosted by the European Commission, particularly by Commissioner for Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, Brnabić spoke with reporters, noting contributions from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa. The conference saw participation from candidate countries and EU member states, primarily represented by foreign ministers or ministers for European integration.
“This truly reflects a new momentum in the EU enlargement agenda, which I believe should inspire us all and represents a unique event for me in this context,” Brnabić remarked.
She acknowledged that Serbia has significant work ahead to open all clusters.
“We are determined to achieve the opening of Cluster 3, and I hope we will do this by the end of the year, followed by the remaining clusters, enabling us to capitalize on the EU’s current enlargement momentum,” Brnabić stated.
Brnabić stressed that progress in European integration can only be achieved collectively. “This requires a united front among those who support Serbia’s European integration, regardless of differing views. If we aspire to advance, we must collaborate. Thus, all political differences must be put aside, involving representatives from past administrations and civil society organizations. Anyone in favor of Serbia’s European integration must set aside these distinctions,” she said. She mentioned that the EU cannot assist in this regard but reiterated President Aleksandar Vučić’s call for dialogue and hopeful collaboration. In response to a query about aligning with the EU’s foreign and security policy and the potential introduction of sanctions against Russia, Brnabić noted Serbia’s current alignment rate exceeding 65 percent. “This is a significant achievement. Serbia will persist in its reforms and anticipates understanding from our European partners concerning the challenges we face on our European journey,” Brnabić highlighted.
She added that the initial agreement stipulated Serbia’s gradual alignment with the EU’s foreign policy during the Euro-integration process until full membership. “This alignment can progress rapidly, as seen with Albania, which opened all clusters recently. We hope for similarly favorable understanding from the EU towards Serbia. Together, we will advance in partnership, ultimately aligning fully upon achieving EU membership,” Brnabić stated. She called for collective effort on reforms within Serbia. “We need to acknowledge that we are arguably the only country where we hinder our own progress, even as we advocate for EU membership,” Brnabić concluded. (November 18)
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