On Wednesday, 17 December, at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Brussels, a joint declaration was agreed, noting that Russia’s war against Ukraine and growing geopolitical challenges underscore the need for ever-stronger ties between the European Union (EU) and the Western Balkans, and reaffirming the EU’s “full and unequivocal commitment to the membership perspective of the region in the Union”. EU leaders welcomed the alignment of the Western Balkan partners with the declaration, noting that Serbia did not do so, which was understandable given the absence of its representatives.
It was emphasized that the lack of normalization of relations between Pristina and Belgrade continues to slow down both partners on their European path, as reported by N1. “All agreements reached in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina dialogue must be implemented, in particular the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Annex. Support under the Western Balkans Reform and Growth Instrument is conditional on the constructive engagement of the partners, with measurable progress and tangible results in the normalization of their relations,” the declaration states.
EU leaders welcomed, as they said, the “new momentum and progress achieved since the last summit”. “Accelerating the accession process, which continues to be based on credible reforms by the partners, fair and rigorous conditions and the principle of individual merit, is in our mutual interest. Enlargement is a geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity, as stated in the Granada Declaration. The urgency of our times requires sustainable momentum. Countries wishing to become members must step up their reform efforts. In parallel, the Union must strengthen its internal foundations and reforms,” the EU leaders said.
They also expect Western Balkan partners to demonstrate respect for European values and principles in both words and actions, by assuming responsibility and implementing the necessary reforms, particularly in the fundamental areas. “Freedom of expression, independent and pluralistic media, gender equality and a strong role for civil society are key to ensuring a functioning democracy. The EU calls on partners to guarantee the rights of minorities and equal treatment for them,” the declaration states.
It is recalled that Serbia had no representative in Brussels and that, as President Aleksandar Vučić himself stated on Tuesday, “for the first time in the last 13 or 14 years, neither I nor anyone else will go to that intergovernmental conference. No one will represent the Republic of Serbia, so the Western Balkans will be without the Republic of Serbia,” Vučić told RTS. He then said that he had made such a decision so that no one else would be blamed and so that the government would not be subjected to any pressure, adding that in the previous 24 hours he had spoken with a large number of European leaders. “I am sincerely grateful for the respect shown towards Serbia by Ursula von der Leyen and António Costa. I am also grateful to President Macron, with whom I spoke last night. I believe that everything I do, I do for the citizens of Serbia. Regardless of the fact that I know this decision will provoke criticism, both in Brussels and from those who always criticize, even when they do not know exactly what they are criticizing. I believe that in this way I am protecting the Republic of Serbia and its interests, because we must show what we have done,” Vučić said, reiterating that Serbia will continue on its European path while he is president, and that afterwards, as he added, “we will see”.
Finally, it is recalled that, as Mašina previously wrote, Sofija Popović from the European Western Balkans (EWB) portal noted that in the past as well there had been announcements that Serbia would not attend various summits, but that in the end Vučić was always present. “Taking this into account, this decision surprised me and, for me, it represents a performative move by the President of Serbia aimed at the domestic public. However, I do not see how it will help Serbia’s European path, which has been stalled for four years. Above all because messages have been coming from Brussels for some time now stating that Serbia is not making progress on this path, mainly due to the lack of reforms in the area of the rule of law, as well as the reforms we promised as far back as last year, which concern the election of the REM Council and the voters’ register,” Popović said.
Photo credits: European Parliament
(Masina, 18.12.2025)
https://www.masina.rs/usaglasena-rezolucija-izmedu-evropske-unije-i-zapadnog-balkana-bez-predstavnika-srbije/