Vučić: We won't change our goals; Von der Leyen: Serbia is one of the most advanced countries in the process

"You are someone who holds the highest position in Europe, and you came to Serbia twice. Thank you for that, thank you for your support. We had a very long conversation. I told her, as long as I am the president of the Republic with the highest legitimacy, we will not change our main goals. Serbia will work on the European path," said Vučić.

"I also discussed the geopolitical situation with Von der Leyen, she informed me about Serbia's policy, from respect for international law, to the fact that the Ukrainian authorities have given approval for the opening of an embassy in Kyiv. We talked about Kosovo and Metohija, and I explained Serbia's position in detail. The EU is our biggest partner, within those frameworks, Germany is almost a quarter, followed by Italy, Hungary... What is very important is that we talked about the reform agenda, we know what our job is," said Vučić.

"For us, the infrastructure projects we are working with the EU are extremely important. I introduced Von der Leyen to our efforts to do everything we can for the Expo. We are fighting, we are trying, we will try to finish all our obligations on time. Many thanks for all the grants, I hope we will open Cluster 3 by the end of the year. It is important to keep the peace in the meantime," he said.

"Of course, Ursula asked for much greater compliance with the EU's foreign policy declaration. We clearly know what the demands are, what the expectations are. We did not discuss lithium, minerals, but I hope we will have time tonight," added the President of Serbia.

Von der Leyen's address: She congratulated Serbia on achieving a credit rating

"The partnership between Serbia and the EU is getting stronger, I want to congratulate you that Serbia has reached an investment rating. We are opening the doors of the single EU market for Serbian companies, and in return, certain reforms need to be implemented. I want to thank you for the great work when it comes to the reform agendas. You are well on your way to becoming part of the single euro payment zone next year. We are working on big projects that focus on clean energy," she said.

Von der Leyen: Serbia is one of the most advanced countries in the accession process

"Together we are investing in clean transport, several interesting projects are underway, such as railway Corridor 10. All this provides a solid basis for Serbia to become the EU member. Serbia is one of the most advanced countries in the process of accession. In this spirit, we are working on the opening of Cluster 3", von der Leyen said.

Vučić added that he spoke with the president of the EC about education.

"I asked for EU support for this. We have to change a lot, we have many talented people. Education is the foundation of everything. I asked that we also use part of the money from the Growth Agenda for education. Ursula promised. We don't have enough strength and knowledge yet", Vucic said.

"I believe that the future of Serbia is in the EU"

"What I see is that the president hosted me here, he hosted the prime minister of Greece and Poland, that speaks volumes. I believe that the future of Serbia is in the EU. We are a democratic union of countries and it is up to the people of Serbia to decide", von der Leyen said.

"The same people who are worried about the European future of Serbia, here the question arises as to how the government in Serbia should be attacked. They invented a poll in the Times. 43 percent are for the EU, 42 percent are for BRICS. I said yesterday that Serbia is on the European path. Ursula can confirm how hard I tried to explain our position, but I was also able to say where I want and where Serbia belongs. We will continue our European path, we will try to preserve ours partnership and friendship. My policy will not be guided by public opinion surveys," said Vučić.

When does she expect Serbia to join the EU?

"The beauty of the accession process is that it is based on merit. It is a process in which every sector, category, in which you have to progress. It is up to the candidate countries to decide. I have been following Serbia for five years, I have seen progress," said the President of the EC.

"It is not easy to be in our shoes, but we will do our best to speed up our European path. I think that what we have done has shown the capacities of Serbia. I hope that we will finish everything for the Expo. I think that the EU will have to make strategic decisions, I think that it is good for us to be part of the EU, I think it is important for them to be part of the EU. Unfortunately, I cannot fulfill the wishes that arise from some emotions," said Vučić .