Taking into account the deep divisions in Serbian society, as well as the lack of consensus as regards to foreign policy and the international position of Serbia, we the undersigned civil society organizations submit
The New Foreign Policy Initiative
- We expect representatives of the Government and the opposition to reach the widest possible consensus on the most expedient finalization of the process of normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Without the conclusion of this process there is no possibility whatsoever for a successful democratic and economic development of Serbia and its positioning in the Western Balkans.
Any absence of a comprehensive normalization of relations between Belgrade and Pristina will further isolate the country, bringing it in an extremely unfavourable position.
- Notwithstanding the EU’s internal problems and the upcoming elections for the European Parliament, we consider it necessary to speed up the process of European integration of Serbia, which has been trapped by the lack of a comprehensive legally binding agreement between Belgrade and Pristina and the non-implementation of internal reforms.
The modernization of Serbian society is essentially inconceivable without the process of European integration.
- Full cooperation between Serbia and its neighbours should be urgently established on the basis of equality and mutual respect. This is not only a necessity for the European integration process, but it is in the best interest of all Serbia’s citizens.
It is important to insist on immutability of state borders, as well as on their final definition when it comes to the Serbian border with Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia and Montenegro.
- Intensifying full cooperation and partnership with NATO is of a vital interest for Serbia and its citizens. It is therefore necessary to stop anti-NATO media campaigns since the cooperation between Serbia and NATO has been advancing every year.
Having in mind the experience of other Western Balkan countries, it is obvious that none of them succeeded in achieving its national strategic interests without the full cooperation and partnership with NATO.
Belgrade Fund for Political Excellence
Center for Regionalism
Center for Foreign Policy
European Movement Novi Sad
European Movement in Serbia
Forum for Security and Democracy
Forum for International Relations of the European Movement in Serbia
Helsinki Committee for Human Rights
Institute for European Affairs
ISAC Fund
Centre for Contemporary Politics – European Western Balkans
Centre for Applied European Studies – CPES
Council for Strategic Policy
Centre of Modern Skills
Women’s Leadership Academy
International Scientific Forum “Danube – River of Cooperation”
Citizens’ Platform
Atlantic Council of Serbia
Humanitarian Law Center
