The Rest Is Politics: Leading 186. President Aleksandar Vučić: Russia, China, and How Serbia Could Join the EU
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Apr 26, 2026 
Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia and long-time politician, reflects on balancing ties with Russia, China and the EU. He discusses regional integration through an Open Balkan single market. He tackles Kosovo and EU accession challenges, debates past conflicts and nationalism, and explains Serbia’s economic priorities and geopolitical strategy.
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1999 Intervention Framed As Precedent For Border Changes
- Vučić says the 1999 NATO intervention and 2008 Kosovo declaration opened a 'Pandora's box' that shifted norms about changing borders and influenced later conflicts.
- He frames Western actions as precedent-setting, arguing international law (UN Resolution 1244) remains unimplemented and fuels Serbian public resentment.
Vučić Rejects Simplified Claims Of Backsliding
- Vučić disputes media and judiciary backsliding claims, arguing Serbia has diverse, often hostile mainstream media and that criticisms are exaggerated.
- He points to private channels and tycoon-owned outlets as politically adversarial, while claiming public broadcaster shifted positions.
Delayed EU Enlargement Risks US Influence In Balkans
- Vučić warns EU delay on enlargement risks the United States building influence in Eastern Europe by aligning with national-populist governments.
- He suggests a fast single-market accession of Balkan states would block US strategic inroads and preserve EU influence.