European Commission President: Serbia One of the Most Progressive States in the EU Accession Process

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen said in Belgrade on Oct. 25 that Serbia was one of the most progressive states in the process of joining the European Union (EU), and that it was committed to carrying out reforms, especially in the areas of rule of law and democracy.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, Von der Leyen praised Serbia’s reform agenda within the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, describing it as “brilliant.” “Serbia is one of the most progressive states in the process of EU accession. You have shown that you can meet the necessary criteria. You are committed to implementing reforms, particularly in the areas of rule of law and democracy. You have shown that actions go hand in hand with your words,” Vo der Leyen said.

The EC president said that “in that spirit” the EU was working on opening new clusters in accession talks with Serbia. When asked when she expected Serbia to actually join the EU, she said that “the beauty of the accession process” was that it was merit-based, adding that it was up to a candidate country to “choose the speed and quality of their path” to the EU.

Vucic said that the European path and commitment to a European Serbia were key to the country's progress and that Serbia, as long as he was its president, would not change the main goals of its foreign and interior policies.