Aleksandar Vučić highlights Russia and China support as EU delays 2030 enlargement goal for Western Balkans.

At the EU-Balkans summit, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić lauded his country’s close relations with Russia and China, emphasizing how these ties have shielded Serbia from the ongoing energy crisis. Vučić proudly stated that his decision to maintain strong connections with Moscow and Beijing, despite EU concerns, had proven advantageous, particularly in ensuring energy security for Serbia.

During the summit, he pointed out that Serbia’s refusal to cave to external pressure and halt the construction of a Russian gas pipeline had paid off, providing a crucial energy lifeline for the country as it faces challenges from the ongoing crisis. Vučić further expressed that while Serbia desires EU membership, its people do not want to sever relations with Russia and China, which he believes was the right strategy.

The summit also saw EU leaders abandon the proposed 2030 deadline for six Western Balkan nations to join the EU, further fueling concerns that Russian and Chinese influence in the region may grow as the EU hesitates on enlargement.