The officials discussed the geopolitical situation caused by the war between Russia and Ukraine and the repercussions it could have on the whole of Europe, including the world. She emphasised that Serbia condemns the aggression on Ukrainian territory, but also added that sanctions against the Russian Federation have not been, and would not be, introduced by Serbia and that Serbia would not recognise the results of the referendum on the annexation of Ukrainian territories.

The Committee Deputy Chairperson stressed that despite the fact that the EU accession rules and conditions seem to be changing on the go, full membership remains Serbia’s chief foreign policy goal, adding however that the preservation of our national interests and respect for international law would never be brought into question. In light of that, she stressed that the recognition of the unilaterally declared independence of the southern Serbian province is unacceptable for Serbia and its leadership will remain fully committed to dialogue and the preservation of peace and stability. She emphasised that the Open Balkans initiative, launched by the President of the Republic Aleksandar Vucic, which is recording outstanding results, speaks in favour of the fact that other countries in the region are expected to join.

Lacapelle stressed that Serbia has the full support of France on the way to EU membership, pointing out that at the next session of the European Parliament, he would talk about the real situation Serbia is facing both in terms of accession and the situation in Kosovo-Metohija. He spoke about his vision of the European community, as a Europe of nations, which would nurture the history and identity of each member, and the officials agreed that changes in the European Union are inevitable, due to the global challenges it is faced with.