Serbia wants to rush access to the European Union, although Vucic has been displayed with Putin at the Moscow parade
Serbia remains engaged in his plan of accession to the European Union and wants to accelerate this process, president Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday, after his recent visit to Moscow has attracted criticism from the West.
Vucic has recently displayed with Putin PHOTO EPA
Vucic traveled to Russia on May 8 and 9 to participate in the parade that marked 80 years since Victoria in World War II. On this occasion, he met with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, notes Reuters.
After meeting with Antonio Costa, the president of the European Council, Vucic said that Belgrade wants to accelerate European integration and open several negotiation chapters with the Community Bloc.
“The atmosphere (in the EU) … is not exactly great, I am convinced that because of the visit to Moscow, but … I think Europe will understand the need for a progress based on merit.”he said.
Russia is a historical ally of Serbia, with whom it shares the Orthodox religion, and the main supplier of natural gas. Also, Gazprom and Gazpromneft have important participations in the Serbian oil company Nis.
Moscow also supports Belgrade in its opposition to Kosovo's independence, its former southern province.
Vucic, confronted for months with anti -corruption protests led by students, promised that the Government will work on implementing the reforms needed to access the EU.
Serbia must eliminate corruption, reform the judicial system, media legislation and choices, improve relationships with Kosovo and align their foreign policy to the community bloc, including by imposing Sanctions against Russia for Ukraine's invasion.
“A key element of our external common and security policy is the clear condemnation of Russia's brutal invasion in Ukraine and supporting Ukraine in obtaining a fair and durable peace.”said Costa, through an interpreter.
The officials of the European Union have repeatedly urged the leaders of the candidate countries, including Vucic, to avoid participating in the Russian commemorations of the Second World War.
Costa stated that “He was happy to hear” that accession to the EU remains the number one priority of Serbia. “What else needs to be done … is to ensure the freedom of the press, to combat corruption and to improve the electoral legislation.”
Of the countries of the Western Balkans, Serbia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Albania and Bosnia have the status of candidates for accession, while Kosovo is behind.
