Foreign Minister of Slovakia Miroslav Lajchak stated today in Belgrade that the normalization of relations with Kosovo is a condition for successful integration of Serbia in the European Union. This does not mean recognition of Kosovo but rather, the implementation of mutual agreements and relations.
In a lecture on Serbia’s integration in the EU at the Faculty of Political Science, Lajchak said that Serbia’s membership in the EU should be priority and that there is no better alternative for the country than becoming a member of the EU.
Lajchak also highlighted the three priorities for this process. First, the principle of ‘quality versus speed’; the country should not become a member of the EU until it is fully prepared and ready. Second, rule of law, specifically chapters 23 and 24, without which the country cannot function. And third, for the successful integration of Serbia in the EU, Lajchak underlined the importance of normalizing relations with Kosovo, and stressed that this means implementing agreements to improve relations with Kosovo but not its recognition.
