Đurić: Austria is a key contributor to the accelerated economic development of our region and Serbia

“We discussed the excellent economic relations between our two countries in recent years, highlighting the fact that Austria has become one of the key contributors to the accelerated economic development of our region, and of Serbia in particular,” Minister Đurić stated in his address to the media following the meeting.

According to him, Austria is Serbia’s third-largest investor, with Austrian companies employing thousands of people throughout the country, thereby bringing not only new opportunities to Serbian citizens, but also modern technologies and stronger integration with the European economy.

“Serbia is a country experiencing rapid economic growth, offering an outstanding opportunity not only for Austrian, but also for other international economic actors. Moreover, Serbian investors are increasingly active in our partner countries across the region, including in Austria,” Đurić noted.

During the meeting, Minister Đurić and his Austrian counterpart also addressed political matters, with the Serbian Foreign Minister expressing appreciation for her visit to Serbia so soon after assuming office in the new Austrian government.

“This demonstrates a genuine interest in relations with Serbia and our region, as well as Austria’s willingness to collaborate closely with us in the period ahead on the European agenda. Serbia aims to meet all EU accession requirements by the end of 2026, based on a credible and merit-based approach,” Đurić underlined.

The ministers also reflected on recent domestic political developments in Serbia. Minister Đurić briefed his counterpart on Serbia’s efforts to overcome challenges and foster internal dialogue and progress.

“We also exchanged views on issues related to the Belgrade–Pristina dialogue. We believe it is of utmost importance to ensure the protection of the rights of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija, and to implement the agreements reached—some over 10 or 12 years ago—such as the agreement on the Community of Serb Municipalities. We support the mission of Mr. Sørensen, whose task is to contribute to normalization,” said Minister Đurić.

He reiterated Serbia’s strong commitment to supporting the dialogue process, while also firmly advocating for the protection of the collective rights of Serbs and other communities in Kosovo and Metohija.

“I informed our guests about the challenges arising from the unilateral and uncoordinated actions of the local authorities, and the resulting increase in tensions, which have not helped the normalization process. I also reaffirmed Serbia’s determination to continue with internal reforms and economic development,” Đurić stated.

He emphasized that Austria’s continued support for Serbia on its path to the EU is mutually beneficial and expressed gratitude for Austria’s assistance in this regard.

“Serbia approaches the European table with the intention of contributing through the strength of its economy, the talent of its people, its strategic position in the region, and its capacity to be a stabilizing and progressive force,” Đurić affirmed.

He expressed particular satisfaction with the cooperation established in multilateral fora, including the United Nations and other organizations, where Austria and Serbia have supported each other.

“I must also highlight the outstanding role, contributions, and potential of our large diaspora in Austria, which serves as a genuine bridge of cooperation between our two countries,” Minister Đurić concluded, expressing confidence that the intensive and mutually beneficial dialogue between Serbia and Austria will continue at the highest political levels.

Addressing members of the press, Minister Meinl-Reisinger expressed her pleasure at visiting Belgrade for the second time—and for the first time in her capacity as Foreign Minister—describing the political and economic relations between Austria and Serbia as extraordinarily strong.

She underscored that for Austria, its partnership with Serbia is of significant importance and that Austria wishes to further expand and deepen these ties.

Minister Meinl-Reisinger noted her pride in the level of economic cooperation, stating that over eight hundred Austrian companies are currently operating in Serbia, providing employment to 24,000 people—a figure that paints an incredibly positive picture of bilateral cooperation.

She also emphasized the importance of the Serbian diaspora in Austria, highlighting that Serbs are a significant part of Austria’s cultural and economic landscape.

The Austrian Foreign Minister affirmed that her government remains firmly committed to supporting the Western Balkan countries on their path to EU membership.

“We sincerely mean it—we want to see Serbia as a part of the European Union so that we can bring our peoples and economies even closer. We share a rich common past, but we also wish to build a shared future,” Minister Meinl-Reisinger stated, adding that she recognizes Serbia’s clear determination to become an EU member.