**EU Urges Serbia to Find Peaceful Solution**
The European Union (EU) is closely watching the situation in Serbia and wants all sides to calm down. They are urging a peaceful and political solution to the current crisis, said Guillaume Mercier, a spokesperson for the European Commission.
Mercier spoke with reporters in Brussels about a meeting between Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and top EU officials earlier this week. When asked if the EU was putting more pressure on Vucic’s government, Mercier said that their priority is to help Serbia advance on its path to joining the EU.
The EU wants to see progress on key reforms in Serbia, such as fighting corruption, protecting media freedom, and ensuring the independence of the judiciary. Mercier said that these are essential steps for Serbia to take on its journey to becoming an EU member.
**No Plans to Engage with Protesting Students**
When asked if the EU would engage with protesting Serbian students, Mercier said no. He stated that it is up to the authorities in Serbia to have a dialogue with the protesters and students. The EU’s Enlargement Commissioner, Marta Kos, has met with members of non-governmental organizations.
**Jadar Lithium Mining Project**
The EU has adopted a list of 47 strategic projects, but Mercier was unclear about whether the Jadar lithium mining project in western Serbia would be included on that list. He said that decisions about projects outside the EU will be made in the coming weeks. The first criterion for selecting these projects is that they strengthen the EU’s security of supply for strategic raw materials.
The EU also considers environmental and social sustainability when making decisions, as well as consulting with citizens and civil society. However, Mercier emphasized that it is up to the host country to agree on any project.
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