Vučić: The most important thing for Serbia is peace and that it does not fall behind some EU countries PHOTO

At the beginning, he greeted everyone present and pointed out that it is important to remember today why the European Union was created.

"It is the biggest peace project in the history of the continent. For Serbia, it is one of the most important things - preserving peace and life and charting the future for our children," he said and thanked the European partners.

He congratulated everyone on Europe Day.

"There is no doubt that it is very important for us to carry out further reforms. We are not lagging behind other countries, but we still have a lot to do. Thank you for the support that you have brought a lot of good for our country and that you will bring in the future. I believe that we can contribute to Europe, at least in some ways. I think that we belong to Europe. That is our strategic and permanent position. I hope that we will have more messages from Brussels in the future we have to make an effort to fulfill the important reform conditions," Vučić pointed out.

He added that it is important to continue with reforms.

"I think it is important that we continue with our reforms and fulfill the conditions. I am sure that the Vučević government will invest enormous energy in fulfilling those tasks. Let's get closer to the EU as soon as possible. We will continue to work, Emanuele, thank you for your uncompromising support for a better position for Serbia on its European path. Happy Europe Day, I wish you much success in the future, and to us together with you," said Vučić.

Address of Emanuele Giaufret

The ceremony began with the performance of the hymn "God's Justice", and after the hymn, Emanuele Giaufret, the EU ambassador in Belgrade, addressed the audience.

"Europe is our house. A house that provides protection to our citizens and living standards," said Emanuele Giaufret.

"With 27 member states, the EU has become a stronger geopolitical player, which has taken actions related to climate change, the fight against Covid... Protection has been provided for more than 4.1 million refugees from Ukraine. I would like to thank Serbia and the citizens of Serbia for all the support they provided to Ukraine," said Giaufret.

The reception was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Miloš Vučević and President of the National Assembly Ana Brnabić.

A number of important figures were also present, such as the ambassadors of France and Italy, then Goran Vesić, Maja Popović, Vladimir Lučić, Mirsad Djerlek, Usama Zukorlić, Pavle Grbović.

Printscreen: Instagram/buducnostsrbijeav

Since 1950, the 9th of May has been marked as Europe Day, as a reminder of the declaration published by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, Robert Schumann, in which he called for the establishment of a new order without conflicts among European countries.