Vucic: I talked with O'Brien about Pristina's attempt to abolish the dinar in Kosovo and Metohija

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that he had discussed Pristina's attempt to abolish the dinar in Kosovo with US Assistant Secretary of State James O'Brien and that he would continue consultations on the matter in the following days.

When asked about his announcement to visit Serbs in Kosovo, the president said it did not mean they would allow him.

"I've just expressed my desire. I'm always free and ready to talk with our people in Kosovo and Metohija, there is nothing more important to me," Vucic said.

He mentioned that some media had accused him and the country of abolishing the dinar in Kosovo, to which he had responded, "Are these people normal?"

"What does that have to do with us? Is it part of any agreement? No, it's a hysterical attack on the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija and nothing else. We will always stand by our people, strive, seek, and find answers, no matter how difficult, and no matter if someone tries to force such things," Vucic stated.

He stated that 10 important initiatives through CEFTA couldn't pass due to one member blocking it.

He reiterated the importance of what European and American officials had stated, that those who hindered others were essentially hindering themselves.

An open labor market for Serbia, North Macedonia, and Albania starting from March 1

Vucic also announced that during the Western Balkans leaders' meeting in Skopje, there had been a strong desire expressed for the formation of a common regional market and the implementation of four freedoms of movement. He added that today, within the framework of the Open Balkan initiative, an agreement on an open labor market was expected to be signed between Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia.

Vucic emphasized that the open labor market should come into effect on March 1.

"This is extremely important for us; it will contribute to creating a better business environment," Vucic remarked.

He noted attending a working dinner last night with Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti, Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama, and hosts President and Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Dimitar Kovacevski and Steva Pendarovski.

He reminded that during the dinner, they were also joined by the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James O'Brien, and the General Director for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations in the European Commission, Gert Jan Koopman.

"It is important that we have emphasized the desire to form a common regional market and four freedoms of movement. This is of great importance to us," Vucic emphasized.

Possible first disbursements from the EU in May or early June

According to Vucic, Serbia has 4.5 billion in its account, making it the most liquid country in the EU. He emphasized that Serbia had no need for new borrowing.

"The level of public debt is very well controlled, around 52 percent in relation to GDP," Vucic emphasized.

He believes it's in the country's interest to form a new government quickly to pass important laws.

Vucic stated that Serbia could receive the first funds from the EU's Western Balkans growth plan in May or early June.

"If we manage to adopt legislation by April, meaning it would be important for the parliament to choose the government, in our view, by no later than March 15, and try to pass important laws by the end of March, so that they could make certain decisions in Europe in April. The first disbursement of that money could be in May or early June," Vucic said in a media statement.

He highlighted the importance of opening and building green lanes for trucks, noting collaboration with Croatia and Hungary on this.

Some were bothered by the "Open Balkan"

Vucic pointed out that some people had been bothered by "Open Balkan" and added that it was an initiative of people from the Balkans who sat down and agreed on their own.

He added that the Berlin Process was useful in many ways, but that the opening of the market was a consequence of the "Open Balkan".

"The labor market is an important matter, and we now have everything settled with Albania and North Macedonia, something we could only achieve through Open Balkan," Vucic stated.

Regarding the formation of the new Serbian government, he expressed hope for it to be formed by March 15.

"The Assembly should be constituted a month after the announcement of the results from February 1, so expect the constitutive session of the Serbian Assembly," Vucic concluded.

He added that this was important for the accelerated adoption of laws to pass essential solutions needed for the realization of the "Expo 2027" program.

Vucic announced that he would visit North Macedonia again for Saint Sava on January 27.

Albania an extremely important partner for Serbia

When asked about the meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, Vucic emphasized that they had been meeting frequently at various multilateral meetings.

He pointed out that Albania was an exceptionally important partner for Serbia.

"Don't forget that an increasing number of our people are going to Albania. They export more and more things without high processing and raw materials, fruits, and vegetables to our country because we are becoming somewhat wealthier. Conversely, we export elsewhere products from our country with a higher degree of processing. Albania is important to us as a partner and will become even more important," Vucic highlighted.