Vucic: No Illusions That Serbia Will Be Joining EU Soon

Aleksandar Vucic

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has said that he has no illusions that Serbia’s entry into the European Union will happen soon and added that it was important for the country to hold its pro-European course.

Speaking to a news conference in Ljubljana in the evening of Oct. 5, Vucic mentioned Slovenia’s proposal to have all Western Balkan states join the Union by 2030, but stated that the idea was unlikely to have the support of Europe’s leaders.

“Over the years, we’ve learned we must take care of ourselves – understand our own everyday life as well as the needs [of the Union]. EU enlargement to the Western Balkans is neither a dominant nor a popular topic,” Vucic said when asked about his expectations for the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit, to be held on Brdo, near Kranj, on Oct. 6.

Vucic stated that “in terms of readiness, [Serbia is] absolutely ready, while with regards to economy [it is] by far the most prepared of all Western Balkan” countries, but stressed that the question of joining the EU was foremost a political one.

The Serbian president also mentioned that he would have numerous bilateral meetings on the fringes of the Summit, including ones with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron. “I believe both Macron and Merkel will have a message for both me and [Kosovo Prime Minister] Albin Kurti,” Vucic concluded.