European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy & Enlargement Negotiations, Austrian Johannes Hahn, gave support in Belgrade for Serbia’s European direction
The Prime Minister of Serbia concluded today that a year ago he was "literally on the verge of armed conflict" with Croatia over the Croatian decision to close the border crossing Bajakovo for freight traffic coming from Serbia. Vučić said this at a joint media conference with Hahn, Večernji List reported on September 10, 2016.
“Johannes is a true friend of Serbia. He has always been on our... Well, not on our, but on EU’s side, but wanted to see what was going on when someone tried to unlawfully implement sanctions on our nation and when we were literally on the verge of armed conflict, which you must not forget. A year and a half ago, in the time of the migrant crisis, when they closed the border for our trucks. The EC and Hahn reacted in the only possible way, telling the truth, and saving us from conflict in the region,” Vučić said.
The European Commissioner gave support in Belgrade to Serbia on her road to Europe and Prime Minister Vučić himself, calling him a statesman, not an ordinary politician.
Answering a journalist’s question to comment on the announcement of blockage by Croatia of Serbia’s Europe accession due the a Serbian law on regional jurisdiction on war crimes, Hahn gave a statement that seems to side with Serbia.
“We monitor and follow every statement. I believe I am here in line with your PM. And grateful he did not react. It is not my purpose to provoke, just the contrary. I can only remind you that the Croatian Parliament voted in majority to support Serbia on her way to the EU. This was recently. I expect such a vote to still be in force. I think it was a good and smart decision,” Hahn answered.
On his Twitter profile, Hahn published a post from Belgrade that sounds like it is directed towards Croatia: “Reconciliation is a joint commitment by all countries of the region, including those who are already EU members.”
“We are fully aware of all the problems with which the region is still facing. We can’t change everything from today until tomorrow. There is history, different experiences... It is a challenge for politicians to have a vision and move forward, without losing sight of their citizens. That’s leadership. That’s the difference between politicians and statesmen. Luckily, your PM is a statesman,” Hahn complimented Serbian PM Vučić.
