German Politician: Admission Into EU Currently neither in Serbia’s, Germany’s nor Europe’s Interest

Alice Weidel (Photo: PrintScreen YouTube)

Alice Weidel, president of the Alternative for Germany party, said on March 22 that "premature or unconditional admission into the European Union would neither be in the interest of Serbia, Germany nor Europe at the moment."

Accession for Serbia would mean having to give up a large part of its hard-won independence, while the economic and political advantages would not exceed the risks, Weidel told the Politika daily in an interview.

According to her, Germany's role in the region should be different. "We should be a reliable, sincere partner, bilaterally, pragmatically and on an equal footing. Rather than awaken false hope or exert pressure from Brussels, we should support Serbia in bolstering is own strength through fair trade relations, investments, the transfer of technology and cultural exchange without political tutelage," Weidel said.

She said Serbia had the right to go its own way -- with the EU or without it, and that Germany should respect and support that right. "It is especially important for historical and contemporary challenges in the Balkans, including the Kosovo issue, to not be additionally worsened through the EU's ideological demands. A stable and peaceful region needs realism, mutual respect and solutions that consider the interests of all parties involved, not unique solutions from Brussels," Weidel said.