Hungary says Serbia should become EU member as soon as possible

BELGRADE, Serbia

Hungary is committed to doing everything possible to help Serbia become a member of the EU as soon as possible, the Hungarian president said on Monday.

"It is time for the promise that the European Union made to the Western Balkans to come true, finally after 20 years," Tamas Suljok told a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic in the capital Belgrade.

Suljok stressed that long-term stability in the Balkans cannot be achieved without European integration.

Hungarians in Serbia make up the country’s second-largest ethnic group, with a population of nearly 200,000, or 2.8% of the total population.

Suljok expressed gratitude to Vucic and the Serbian people for ensuring that the Hungarian community in Serbia lives in a stable order.

Suljok thanked Vucic for supporting all initiatives that foster friendly cooperation and contribute to the Hungarian minority’s continued presence in Serbia.

Vucic, in turn, highlighted the significant popularity of the Hungarian people and Hungary as a country in Serbia.

He added that Suljok's visit marks another step in strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.

Serbia and Hungary maintain amicable relations in various fields and collaborate on issues such as stemming illegal migration and the energy crisis. Hungary also fully supports Serbia’s European Union accession.