The Minister of European Integration, Nemanja Starović, participated in the Balkan Forum in Budapest

11. Mar 2026.
Minister of European Integration Nemanja Starović took part in the 10th Balkan Forum in Budapest, where he spoke on the panel titled “From Words to Action: Enlargement and the Western Balkans.” On that occasion, he emphasized that the enlargement of the European Union is a key test of the credibility of the Union’s strategic commitments and highlighted that the Western Balkans region is already deeply economically integrated with the European economy.

The Minister pointed out that Serbia is continuously implementing reforms within the accession process, ranging from strengthening institutions and judicial reform to improving the business environment and aligning with European standards. He stressed the importance of the gradual integration of the region into the Single European Market, the “Roam Like at Home” initiative, as well as the potential inclusion of the Western Balkans in the Schengen Area.

According to the Minister, the Western Balkans already belongs to Europe – historically, economically, and politically – and the question is no longer whether enlargement will happen, but when Europe will seize the strategic moment to accelerate the process.

On the sidelines of the forum, a bilateral meeting was held between Minister Starović and Hungary’s Minister for European Affairs, János Bóka.

During the meeting, the importance of further strengthening cooperation between the two countries and Hungary’s continued support for Serbia’s European path was emphasized. The interlocutors confirmed that close cooperation and regular political dialogue contribute to Serbia’s progress in the European Union accession process.