Vucic: I had a long conversation with Macron about Kosovo, EPC is a good platform for exchanging opinions

President Aleksandar Vucic stated that during the European Political Community Summit in London, he met with numerous high-ranking officials, and had an extended conversation with French President Macron about Kosovo. However, he pointed out that the summit’s drawback was that non-EU countries did not have the opportunity to speak.

President Vucic mentioned that during the summit, he had dozens of lengthy and sincere meetings with European leaders, spending the most time with French President Emmanuel Macron, who is expected to visit Belgrade at the end of August or the beginning of September.

Vucic told reporters in London that his important meeting with Macron covered various topics, including geopolitical issues, Serbia's European future, economic and bilateral relations between Serbia and France, and Kosovo.

"We expect Macron at the end of August, early September at the latest, in Belgrade. It will be a significant and important visit for us," Vucic said.

He also met with the newly elected Dutch Prime Minister, to whom he presented Serbia's positions, particularly regarding the Growth Plan and the reform agenda. Additionally, he met with Mitsotakis, Zelensky, numerous other regional and European leaders, the President of Switzerland, Viktor Orban, Sanchez, and Borrell.

Vucic also had a longer conversation with the former Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas than with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell.

"I also spoke with Borrell briefly, more with Sanchez about various things. He participated in the same panel as Mitsotakis and many others. Kaja Kallas was also on that panel, so we had the opportunity to hear her thoughts," Vucic noted.

Summit Resembling a NATO Meeting, A Balanced Stance Desired

Vucic emphasized that the European Political Community Summit is a good platform for dialogue, exchanging contacts and opinions, and an opportunity for non-EU countries to have their voices heard.

"The idea is for those of us who are not from the EU to come and say what we think," Vucic stressed, adding that the summit's goal is to maintain peace and develop the economy, which he also discussed in his panel participation.

The Serbian President expressed dissatisfaction that the primary speakers were the main leaders.

"Interestingly, they saw who the biggest hawks were at the recent NATO Summit, and only the biggest hawks were allowed to speak. Incredible, nothing like this has ever happened before. Only those who were big hawks could set the tone for the entire gathering, and then you can talk about whatever you want in the panels. Everything is okay," Vucic stated.

Vucic said he told Macron that the disadvantage was that non-EU countries were not given the opportunity to speak.

"The idea was for those of us who are not in the EU to come and say what we think. We only had a panel for that, and everything looked like a NATO plus summit – a meeting where everyone says 'Ukraine must win.' That's nice, but there are other countries too, and we didn't get the chance to speak," Vucic said, noting that he discussed bilateral issues and the geopolitical situation with Volodymyr Zelensky.

When asked to comment on Zelensky's speech at the summit, in which he openly criticized Orban, Vucic said it wouldn't be fair to comment on everything but noted it was a "strong speech against Viktor Orban, who didn't have the chance to respond at that moment."

"What we could hear was 'Ukraine must win,' 'Ukraine must win.' At least in the first part, there was no talk about how to come to a dialogue and resolve problems. On the panel, I said I would like to see a more balanced stance, where everyone can be heard, as that's the essence of democracy. But they interpret it as unity. Everyone knows what's going on, everyone has intelligence services informing them about what's happening on the battlefield, but that's the narrative. Nothing like this has ever happened at a summit," Vucic said.

Serbia Aims to Protect Its Interests, Peace, and Stability

He emphasized that those criticizing him for Serbia not supporting Ukraine and calling him a "Russian spy" are wrong, considering Serbia recently sent 5,000 iPads and laptops to Ukraine and has previously sent aid "more significant than many who condemn us."

He explained that Serbia is small and cannot export tanks to anyone, but strives to protect its own interests, safety, peace, and stability.

He also mentioned that Serbia has not imposed sanctions on Russia and highlighted that there was not much pressure on this issue today but noted he saw "what is being prepared for us."

Vucic congratulated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on her new mandate.

"It's good that Ursula has been elected. It's not always simple and easy for us, but she is a rational woman, and we can discuss and resolve problems with her," the Serbian President said.

Condolences to the Family of the Slain Policeman in Loznica

Vucic once again expressed condolences to the family of the slain policeman in Loznica.

"I would like to once again express my condolences to the family of Nikola Krsmanovic, our policeman killed in a terrorist attack by an Albanian. What we can do is help the family and express our condolences, but unfortunately, we cannot bring back that young life," Vucic said.

When asked if he had additional information about the individuals arrested in connection with the Loznica case, he said he only had the information received through messages from the Ministry of Interior.