European Commission chief pledges to respect Serbia's nature amid lithium mining project concerns

BELGRADE, Serbia

The European Commission chief pledged on Friday to respect Serbia's natural environment while implementing a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials.

In July, Serbia and the European Union signed a memorandum of understanding on a strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials, battery production chains, and electric vehicles, with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in attendance.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is currently on a tour to the Western Balkans.

"When we work together on raw materials projects, you can be fully assured we will respect and preserve the beautiful nature of Serbia. We will always listen and cooperate with the local community. We are working on a prosperous and sustainable common future for the next generations," she said during a joint press conference with Vucic in the Serbian capital Belgrade.

Thousands of environmentalists have protested for years against the Jadar lithium extraction project in Serbia, led by the Anglo-Australian mining company Rio Tinto.

Environmentalists say that the project poses risks to residents' health and the environment. Rio Tinto discovered lithium reserves in the Serbian city of Loznica in 2004.

Von der Leyen said that Serbia is among the most advanced countries in its accession process to the European Union (EU) and emphasized that the pace of the process is ultimately Serbia's choice.

"Serbia is already one of the most advanced countries in the accession process. You have shown that you can fulfill the necessary conditions. You have committed yourself to implementing reforms, especially in the area of ​​rule of law and democracy," she said.

President Vucic, for his part, reaffirmed Serbia's commitment to its European path, stating, "As long as I am the president, we will not change the main goals of our foreign and internal policy."

"This means that our European path and our advocacy for a European Serbia is of key importance for our progress. Serbia is committed to working on that path, and we hope for results," said Vucic.

Von der Leyen is expected to visit Montenegro and Kosovo on Saturday.