Serbia must join EU as soon as possible

BERLIN - Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic told the German daily Bild that the relations between Serbia and Russia are quite regular, but that Serbia's most important goal is to join the European Union (EU) as soon as possible.

Vucic also ruled out the option of Serbia recognizing Kosovo as an independent state, and left the possibility of Serbia's NATO membership open.

Our relations with Russia are quite regular, but our most important goal at this moment is to gain EU membership as soon as possible, Vucic responded to the journalist's comment that Serbia is currently facing the same dilemma as Ukraine - EU membership or close relations with Moscow - and that it is still unclear how this dilemma will be resolved.

Our goal is Europe. We will do everything to reach it. On that road, there is no turning back. It is clear to me that the road will not be easy. We have a lot of work to do, political, economic and social reforms, but I am sure that the largest part will be completed in four to five years. After that, Germany and other EU members can decide whether they want us or not, Vucic told the German daily.

Vucic ruled out the possibility of recognizing Kosovo.

The recognition of Kosovo is not on Serbia's agenda, but we are negotiating with Pristina about improving our relations. I will tell you the same thing I told your chancellor - I am not overly optimistic and I see the obstacles ahead, but still, for the first time, I can now reasonably expect that we can solve our problems. The talks are going very well and I am sure that soon we will be able to sign an agreement that will meet the expectations of both Serbs and Kosovo Albanians. Both sides know that the only way to work out a solution is to work...