BELGRADE – German Ambassador in Belgrade Axel Dittmann said today that Germany supports Serbia’s EU membership and that no new conditions are emerging, but he mentioned Serbia is expected though to align its foreign policy with the EU position.
Regarding the statement of the Secretary of State in the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs Michael Roth, that Serbia, as a country that seeks membership in the EU, should not have neutral foreign policy views, but needs to be aligned with the positions of the Union, Dittmann said while appearing as a guest on Pink TV that this was not a new position.
“Germany advocates Serbia’s membership in the EU and strongly supports the strategic decision of Serbia to become an EU member. This is the most important strategic decision,” said Dittmann.
This process, as he explained, is now related to opening chapters concerning the rule of law, because it is the core of the modernization process, in addition to economic reforms initiated by the government.
“That is why we all want the aforementioned chapters to be open as soon as possible,” said Dittmann.
The EU, he said, a community consisting of shared values, which form common foreign policy attitudes.
“It is, therefore, important that Serbia, while making progress on its path towards European integration, adjust its foreign policy stance with the position of the EU,” said Dittmann.
He also said that there are no new conditions related to Serbia’s European path, reminding that all Member States together made the decision to open accession negotiations with Serbia.
“Right now we are adjusting positions in the EU and we are on the right way. The attitude of the entire EU is set forth in the joint negotiating framework and Serbia agreed on the framework. Therefore, no new conditions to talk about,” said Dittmann.