18/07/2024 (Agence Europe) – The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, met Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić in Brussels on Wednesday 17 July to discuss the country’s progress towards EU membership. Serbia’s attitude towards Russia, particularly its refusal to follow the EU in imposing sanctions against Vladimir Putin’s regime, was one of the major grievances highlighted by the High Representative at the meeting. “Full alignment is essential if an EU candidate country is to demonstrate its strategic direction and progress towards accession”, Josep Borrell reiterated. He also reiterated the need for Serbia and Kosovo to continue to work towards normalising their relations, through the High-Level Dialogue led by the EU (see EUROPE 13441/13). (IS)