Top German diplomat urges Serbia to commit to EU path

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Serbia on Tuesday to end its diplomatic balancing act between Russia and the European Union and clearly commit to a European course.

Speaking at a meeting with his counterpart Marko Đurić in Belgrade, Wadephul said Serbia must choose whether to pursue a determined EU path, aligning with the bloc on foreign and security policy, or send “mixed signals that are incompatible with the fundamental values and policies of the European Union.”

Đurić said Serbia remains “unequivocally and resolutely” committed to EU accession.

Wadephul called on the government of President Aleksandar Vučić to continue helping to strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities and to exert pressure on Russia to end its war in Ukraine.

He stressed that EU membership requires “tangible progress on reforms, especially in the areas of the rule of law and the fight against corruption,” along with a clear commitment to European values, like the rule of law and freedom of expression.

On state violence against peaceful protesters, he added: “It is the responsibility of authorities and decision-makers to ensure the right to peaceful protest.”

Despite differences, Wadephul highlighted areas for cooperation, including when it comes to energy supplies and the expansion of renewables, with the aim of strengthening independence from Russian fossil fuels.

Đurić said Serbia accepts the EU’s foreign and security policy and is actively participating in its implementation.

“We are joining the union because we want to be a society in the future that resembles other developed Western societies,” he said.

The EU has been in accession talks with Serbia since 2014.