Brussels, Sep 30 (Bureau) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Thursday reassured Serbia of its future accession to the European Union (EU). “I am a strong advocate for bringing Serbia into the European Union,” said von der Leyen during a visit to Nis, Serbia. She congratulated Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic for the country’s progress and encouraged him to continue his efforts while listing the country’s achievements in terms of matching EU requirements on the rule of law and fundamental reforms.
Von der Leyen asked Vucic to improve relations with Kosovo and invited Serbia to the Conference on the Future of Europe, saying that the country has an important contribution to make. The European Commission President called for better regional economic integration, saying it would help with the EU accession process. “It is vital that the six partners in the Western Balkans move quickly to develop the common regional market,” she said.