Jeremić: Recognition of Kosovo is not a new condition

The recognition of the unilateral independence of Kosovo will not be a new condition for Serbia's membership in the European Union (EU), said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Serbia, Vuk Jeremić, after a meeting with the European Commissioner for Enlargement Štefan File in Brussels. Jeremić specified that "he did not hear from File that recognition would unilateral independence of Kosovo could be a new condition for Serbia's membership in the EU". At the press conference, the head of Serbian diplomacy repeated Serbia's position that it will never recognize Kosovo's independence, that is, that Serbia's position on this matter will not change. Jeremić pointed out that "the regional cooperation remains a key priority for the Government of Serbia". Jeremić and File believe that it is necessary to achieve a concrete result in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina that will enable the life of people on the ground to improve. Asked about the position of the German parliament that Serbia must recognize the unilateral independence of Kosovo in order to became a member of the EU, File said that he "respects the view of the parliamentarians of European countries", but that for now he cannot talk about possible new conditions for Serbia." My mandate is very clear in that regard. When we submitted the Questionnaire, we clearly stated that it does not include Kosovo". "What I believe is the priority now is to resolve some practical issues through dialogue, and I see that the talks are moving in the right direction and I expect concrete results," File said. He noted that "it is important to find a solution" to the issue of Kosovo's independence by the end of Serbia's European path. "No EU member will support enlargement to a member that has open issues in the region or with its neighbors," File said.