Over the last few months, Serbia has conducted a well-coordinated and comprehensive diplomatic action in respect of all EU Member States. Therefore, I am sure that the European Council of 28 June will make a positive decision regarding Serbia, says Foreign Minister Ivan Mrkic in a photo-finish of the "Brussels race" full of suspense. He reminded that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had carried out an intensified activity as well as that he met, in the last ten months or so, with 70 Foreign Ministers, 23 Heads of State and 15 Prime Ministers. So, he was confident that this diplomatic offensive would come to fruition.

Which countries are ready to vote that Serbia be given a date immediately?

- More than 20 EU members have offered their explicit support to Serbia, one way or another. On the other hand, not a single EU country was opposed to the granting of a date! I suppose that this, in itself, explains what is to be expected.

But Germany is still hesitant. Do you expect that the Bundestag will appreciate Serbia's efforts? Or will they once again attach additional conditions for the date?

- So far, I've only received positive signals from Berlin. Of course, there are some individuals or groups there, wishing to apply stereotypes to Serbia along the lines that pressures and blackmail should continue to be resorted to. However, this "formula" proved to be outdated and completely out of touch, because of the actions and highly responsible attitude on the part of our Government.

What would be the strategy of the state leadership, if the decision is postponed? Can there be a turnaround in foreign policy?

- There can be neither a turnaround nor a revision of our foreign policy. This is not possible under any circumstances since the foreign policy is not something happening in individual lives to the effect that one may choose one partner today and another the very next day. Foreign policy is a given category and made up of invariables that cannot be changed due to one political event, but are actually dependent upon geography, history, mentality of the population, belonging to a certain civilization and culture, including economic ties as well. Concurrently with our advance towards the EU, we have not, for a single moment, neglected but, on the contrary, enhanced our relations with other countries.

Will the dialogue with Pristina be continued even if we are not granted the date?

- Negotiations with the Pristina administration will definitely be continued, as our state has decided to comply with everything required by the Brussels Agreement of 19 April 2013.

What are the next agenda items?

- It is well known that the agenda includes telecommunications, energy and modalities for the organization of the Community of Serbian Municipalities.

You have announced a new law on foreign affairs. What specific changes will this new law introduce in the Serbian Foreign Service?

- We are hopeful that these changes will be fundamental. The aim is to ensure that diplomacy becomes the pillar of the state and not share the same destiny with any other governmental department. The Foreign Service is a too serious and demanding profession to be subjected to standardized treatment of any kind. It needs to be regulated according to its character and specific features in order to become professional to the maximum possible extent.