Ursula Von Der Leyen’s Visit to Serbia: A Step Towards EU Integration

Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, arrived in Serbia for a two-day visit, warmly welcomed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic at Nikola Tesla Airport. This visit marks a significant moment in Serbia’s journey towards European Union membership, emphasizing the ongoing discussions about the country’s progress and future opportunities within the EU framework.

Key Takeaways

• Ursula von der Leyen’s visit is part of a broader EU enlargement strategy.
• President Vucic expressed gratitude for von der Leyen’s support and commitment to Serbia.
• The agenda includes discussions on Serbia’s EU integration and economic development projects.

Welcome Ceremony

Upon her arrival, President Vucic greeted von der Leyen with a heartfelt welcome, stating, "It is a great honor to host you again in our country and an even greater pleasure to show you the progress that Serbia has made since your previous visit." He emphasized the importance of their discussions regarding Serbia’s relationship with the EU and the potential for new opportunities in the enlargement process.

Agenda of the Visit

The visit includes several key activities:

1. Visit to HTEC Group: Vucic and von der Leyen will tour the HTEC Group, a technology company showcasing Serbia’s advancements in innovation and technology.
2. Project Presentations: They will attend presentations of projects financed through the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance (IPA) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
3. Meetings and Discussions: A series of meetings will take place, including a tête-à-tête between Vucic and von der Leyen, followed by plenary talks with their respective delegations.

Focus on EU Enlargement

Von der Leyen’s visit is set against the backdrop of the EU’s commitment to enlargement, particularly in the Western Balkans. The discussions will focus on:

• Serbia’s Progress: Evaluating the advancements Serbia has made on its path to EU membership.
• Future Opportunities: Exploring new avenues for cooperation and support from the EU.
• Regional Stability: Addressing the importance of stability and growth in the Western Balkans as a whole.

Conclusion

This visit underscores the EU’s ongoing interest in the Western Balkans and Serbia’s aspirations for membership. As von der Leyen engages with Serbian leaders, the discussions are expected to pave the way for enhanced cooperation and support, reinforcing Serbia’s position as a key candidate for EU integration. The outcomes of this visit could significantly influence Serbia’s future within the European Union, marking a pivotal moment in its journey towards membership.

Sources

• Von der Leyen visits Serbia, President Vucic met her at the airport: "Welcome" – Telegraf.rs, Telegraf.rs.
• Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Serbia, welcomed by Vučić: "Feel at home in Serbia" PHOTO – B92, B92.
• Ostavi komentar – Ursula von der Leyen is on a two-day visit to Serbia starting today, and will be hosted by Vučić – B92, B92.
• Ursula von der Leyen is on a two-day visit to Serbia starting today, and will be hosted by Vučić – B92, B92.
• Von der Leyen visiting Serbia: Vučić and the President of the European Commission visited HTEC Group PHOTO – B92, B92.