Earlier this week, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Várhelyi, presented the 2024 Enlargement Package to the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. The package includes the European Commission's reports on candidate countries and potential candidates for EU membership.
Among other countries, Serbia was a focal point. Várhelyi emphasized that while sanctions are important, they cannot be the primary indicator of a country's relationship with the EU or its progress in the accession process.
"Economic, humanitarian, and political aid to Ukraine—such as €50 million in assistance, €8.5 million in energy aid, and arms support, as well as efforts to secure critical minerals—are clear indicators of European alignment. However, Serbia must accelerate its reforms, particularly concerning the rule of law. Serbia’s progress in this area, along with the normalization of relations with Kosovo, will determine the negotiation process. Serbia has committed to fulfilling all obligations toward normalization. We note that Serbia, over the past three annual reports, has met the requirements to open Cluster 3, and this remains valid. We support Serbia’s ambition to open new clusters, as each cluster signifies forward movement," Várhelyi stated regarding Serbia.
Perspectives from Loucas Fourlas
In light of this, EUpravo Zato contacted Loucas Fourlas, the newly appointed Chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation to the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Committee, to convey his thoughts on the European Commission’s 2024 report on Serbia.
"The EU Will Be Stronger with More Members"
Fourlas highlighted that Serbia must continue its European path with a focus on the rule of law and alignment with the EU's security policy. However, he acknowledged that a long road lies ahead before full integration.
"The further enlargement of the European Union, anticipated in the coming years, will undoubtedly strengthen its international influence and presence. However, it is evident that there is a recurring issue that we have identified and emphasized numerous times. I firmly believe that the EU will be stronger with more members, but without a unified foreign policy, its foundations will remain fragile," Fourlas stated for the website.
He also stressed that while this perspective holds potential, there should be no compromises regarding fundamental European principles and values, as well as the implementation of necessary reforms for accession.
"Dialogue between the EU and Serbia must be sincere. I am convinced that Serbia can achieve much more through bold reforms that require political will and determination," he noted.
What Reforms Must Be Addressed First?
The Growth Plan for the Western Balkans and the Reform Agenda adopted by Serbia, and endorsed by the European Commission, entail numerous reforms Serbia must implement to access the funding allocated for the Western Balkans’ growth. However, the situation demands tailored reforms for each country based on their specific circumstances.
Fourlas reminded that the accession process is challenging and unique due to these criteria and conditions, with each candidate country having its own distinct path. However, he argued there is a reason the process is not straightforward.
"The Union has demonstrated that synergy and cooperation can serve as a foundation for peace, stability, and prosperity. To achieve synergy and cooperation, all members must embrace common European principles and values, as well as key political stances on critical issues. No single country, nor any other partnership, has achieved as much as the EU in various sectors, including peace and security, the single market, high standards for food and the environment, consumer benefits, and human rights. All this, and much more, has made the EU a globally recognized force," Fourlas emphasized.
He noted that the primary challenge for Serbia in overcoming obstacles lies in positioning itself on the map of European nations as quickly as possible.
"The key for Serbia to overcome these challenges is having a clear strategic orientation. When such an orientation is present, progress is much faster, and facing challenges becomes simpler. Alongside this, I have already emphasized the importance of sincere dialogue. Such dialogue must continue, rooted in the realities and significant geopolitical and political changes happening in our times. Rapid developments at all levels are redefining our role on the global political stage and order," Fourlas stated for EUpravo Zato.
What Will Change Under His Leadership?
In an interview, Fourlas, who has experience in journalism, media consultancy, and philanthropy, and hails from Cyprus—a country among the five EU states that have not recognized Kosovo’s independence—spoke about his new role as the Chair of the European Parliament Delegation for Relations with Serbia.
"My election to this position is a great honor and significant responsibility for me. I am confident that through trust, hard work, and a methodical approach, we can achieve both small and significant steps forward. The EU’s doors are open, and everything depends on our joint efforts, which must be continuous and steadfast," he stated, adding that he is personally committed to being as helpful as possible and supporting Serbia in its progress toward EU membership.
While challenges and unique obstacles persist, Fourlas asserted that they can be overcome by uniting efforts.
"As a Cypriot, I understand firsthand the struggle a country must undergo to become a full EU member, especially when faced with unique characteristics and objective hurdles. However, we succeeded, and I firmly believe Serbia can succeed as well. This journey is one we will embark on together," Fourlas concluded.