Vucic: Pristina will do everything to stop the free flow of goods

President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vucic, stated that despite Pristina reopening the Merdare crossing for Serbian goods, Kosovo's Prime Minister Albin Kurti will continue to seek ways to hinder Serbian economic activity.

"Everyone has recognized Pristina's intentions, but knowing the Germans, I expect they will continue to insist on the free flow of goods. This is important for the Serbian economy. Will they [Pristina] do everything to stop it? Absolutely. Kurti will now come up with excuses like scanners and claim he'll wait 11 months for them, then 22 months, constantly inventing something", Vucic remarked.

He added that Kurti is aware that Serbia can pursue its interests when basic freedoms and EU rules are respected. Vucic expressed skepticism about Pristina's commitment to agreements, saying, "I expect that on the third day they'll stop someone for who knows what reason, on the fourth day they'll halt the entire crossing, and on the fifth day they'll claim to have found 'two bullets of caliber 7.62'—which they'll plant themselves—and then say 'we're closing for the next 11 months until we find scanners.' But regardless, it's always better that some goods pass than none at all."

Vucic emphasized his lack of trust in Pristina when it comes to implementing the Brussels Agreement or any other agreements, stating, "That won't change because I know them well."

He also mentioned that he discussed the situation in Kosovo with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. While they hold different views on Kosovo, they agree on many other global issues.

Vucic noted that Germany remains a reliable and important partner for Serbia. "On certain issues regarding Kosovo and Metohija, we presented different positions, but there is great agreement on many other global topics. We highlighted the importance of our cooperation and expressed gratitude for the large number of German investors and factories employing people in our country and contributing to development," Vucic concluded.