Djukic: Vucic's attendance at BRICS would have caused a series of new pressures on Serbia

Srecko Djukic, a former diplomat and member of the Forum for International Relations of the European Movement in Serbia, believes that the decision of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic not to attend the BRICS Summit was expected, especially after his phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“For me, it was clear that he wouldn’t go. He weighed all the pros and cons and concluded that there was no need to attend, as it would have triggered a series of negative reactions, questions, inquiries, and new pressures from various other sides. I think he correctly decided that nothing significant would happen at BRICS, that it is a large political gathering of global importance, and discussions would focus on global issues,” Djukic said.

In his view, it is better that the Serbian delegation is led by the deputy prime minister along with ministers, as this format still holds significant potential. He says that nothing spectacular would occur at this summit since it brings together countries with varying capacities, economies, and financial systems.

“Regardless of how much they agree on certain principles, it is difficult to find a concrete solution there. For example, they are now discussing creating a BRICS currency, but that is a process requiring a lot of effort and time, and it certainly won’t happen overnight,” he explained.

He emphasizes that it was necessary to carefully evaluate the potential for cooperation with the European Union and the United States, as well as the importance of that cooperation in the present and future, alongside cooperation with China, given the high level of financial and economic relations.

“For now, we are, in fact, a much more important partner to Russia than Russia is to us. That may sound arrogant to some, but that is the reality. Objectively, Serbia is Russia's only window into Europe. Serbia has not imposed sanctions. Moreover, Serbia is no longer as dependent on Russian energy as it once was,” Djukic pointed out.

He also believes significant changes will occur when the contract between Russia and Ukraine for the use of the gas pipeline system expires, which could be “relieving” for Serbia.

“We have seen, at the highest levels on the Russian side, complete understanding of Serbia’s position. Putin himself said that what is good for Serbia is good for Russia, and that Russia and its official policy have no objections, nor could they have any,” Djukic concluded.