Vucic with von Der Leyen on Serbia’s Bid to Join EU, Growth Plan for Western Balkans

Aleksandar Vucic, Ursula von der Leyen, Davos, Jan.18 2024 (Photo: PrintScreen instagram/buducnostsrbijeav)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met in Prague, on Aug. 31 with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and discussed the situation in the region, Serbia's bid to join the European Union, the execution of projects envisaged in the European Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, and overall relations between the Serbia and the EU.

In the talk, which Vucic described as "excellent," he thanked the EC president for her "understanding and personal involvement when it comes to the progress of Serbia and the entire Western Balkans on the path of association with the EU."

"Especially in the fields of accelerating social and economic integration. I reiterated that Serbia is approaching its reform agenda with dedication, and that it is a serious and responsible partner to the EU in all activities focused on building a shared and prosperous future for all our citizens," he said in an Instagram post.

Earlier in Prague, where he was attending the GLOBSEC regional security forum, Vucic met with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and other officials, including European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia Vladimir Bilcik, to whom he reiterated that joining the EU was one of Serbia's strategic goals.