Vucic: We have many challenges, from the Republic of Srpska to Kosovo, but I am concerned about the lack of willingness for compromise

President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, who is participating in a summit of heads of state and government within the Aqaba Process dedicated to the Balkans in Bulgaria, stated that he expects Vjosa Osmani, who is also in Sofia, to raise certain issues, but that the Serbian delegation will also bring up their own concerns. He emphasized that Serbia is facing numerous challenges, from the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, particularly in the Republic of Srpska, to relations with Pristina, but what worries him the most is that in all the discussions he has had recently, he has not seen a willingness for compromise. Regarding the tariffs the U.S. imposed on Serbia, he said they were calculated using a "strange formula," but he hopes that the issue will be resolved in his conversation with Donald Trump.

"I know that Osmani will raise certain issues because here there are no flags or insignias, even ties are banned as part of the Aqaba summit's image, and I am sure of the questions she will raise. But we also have a good delegation, and we will bring up our own issues. The most important thing is to preserve peace and stability, and to see how we can move forward," Vucic told RTS.

He pointed out that in conditions of complete geopolitical upheaval, Serbia has many problems, and it is enough to just look at the situation in the Republic of Srpska and the recent decision by Germany to ban Milorad Dodik, Radovan Viskovic, and Nenad Stevandic from entering.

"There are many problems, the relations between Belgrade and Pristina, and many other things that are not so clear and obvious, but are beneath the surface. To the point that the global order, with the new U.S. tariffs, is completely changing things. The relationship between Russia and Ukraine, and the reactions of our Russian friends to what we are discussing with the EU. Every word has become an object of scrutiny, every letter... The role of our country is important, and it is especially crucial to preserve peace and stability, to safeguard our country. The time we live in is one of the most complicated in the last 50-60 years, and I am not sure that from all these tensions and turbulences, something much worse than what we have today will not emerge. Our task is to fight, to find solutions, to guarantee peace and security for our citizens," Vucic said.

When asked about the recently signed agreement in the field of defense between Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia, he said that he would never receive an explanation regarding it.

"I raised this in Brussels, the Republic of Srpska is a big challenge, but apart from shrugs and the answer 'well, it happened,' I couldn't expect or get any other answer," Vucic conveyed.

Serbia, he said, reacted in line with its alliance with Hungary and will continue to strengthen its position and capabilities to guarantee peace in the country.

"We are getting stronger with Hungary, not making political countermeasures, but slowly, deeply, and substantively providing answers to security challenges. It is a great challenge for us, everything around the Republic of Srpska," Vucic repeated.

He emphasized that he is concerned about the lack of willingness for compromise.

"I have spoken to everyone, in Brussels, yesterday with the English. I see a sharp stance against the Republic of Srpska, even though they would say that it is against the unconstitutional actions of Milorad Dodik. But they are not interested in the unconstitutional actions of Sarajevo or the international factor. Their goal is functional Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the Republic of Srpska will not retain the competences under the Dayton Agreement. And as for facts, law— they don't care at all," said the President of Serbia.

Similarly, he mentioned the Brussels Agreement.

"Do you think anyone cares that they don't respect the agreement on the regional police, on justice and the prosecutor's office, that they don't respect 6 out of 15 points on forming the CMS? They will say they care, formally, but in essence, they don't. This is their child that they will protect. We know we are small and opposed in terms of international law and UN norms, we have to be cautious, but brave, firm, and strong in protecting our position," Vucic stressed.

Vucic shared that in Sofia he had a courtesy meeting with Bulgarian President Rumen Radev, while later in the evening they will have an official meeting. He also had discussions with Slovenian President Natasa Pirc-Musar, and extended talks with the Presidents of Croatia and Montenegro, Zoran Milanovic and Jakov Milatovic, as well as with King Abdullah II.

He added that he will ask Radev to have Bulgaria, as an important neighbor of Serbia, participate in Expo 2027.

U.S. tariffs calculated using a strange formula, I hope for a resolution in my conversation with Trump

Speaking about the tariffs announced last night by U.S. President Donald Trump, Vucic stated that they were calculated using a strange formula.

"We have different numbers, we work with Eurostat, while they calculate the level of trade exchange. According to their calculation, Serbia has a $600 million surplus. They divided this amount by the total trade exchange, which is slightly above $800 million, and came up with 0.74%. They then divided that by two, which resulted in a figure of 37%," Vucic explained.

He expressed confidence that the issue, which primarily affects Chinese and Japanese companies in Serbia, would be resolved in his conversation with Trump.

"We will make sure to discuss this with Trump. I believe we will resolve it in the next three months, or perhaps even sooner," said President Vucic.