Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia, has warned of serious consequences for Europe and the Balkans if conflicts in the Middle East escalate, particularly highlighting the potential energy crisis stemming from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking on tensions between the United States and Iran, Vučić emphasized that a prolonged closure of the Hormuz Strait would deal a severe blow to global energy markets, affecting oil and gas supplies worldwide.
“All of Europe faces hell if the war continues. What matters to people’s lives is whether the Strait of Hormuz will be closed. Oil and gas prices are already rising, gas is running low, and Qatar has closed its valves. Incredible things are happening,” Vučić stated.
Domestic Measures and Energy Security
Vučić announced emergency measures to protect Serbian citizens and the economy, including possible subsidies for energy prices in the coming period. He stressed that, unlike many European countries, Serbia has significant energy reserves and operational refineries, providing a degree of domestic security amid global uncertainty.
Criticism of International Response
Vučić sharply criticized what he perceives as underestimation by the international community of the scale of developments:
“I’ve been warning for a month that the US would attack Iran. When it happens, everyone seeks help from the state. One does not enter a war unprepared. Nothing makes sense; more preparation was done for tiny Serbia than around Iran. Everything has become superficial, and the consequences are catastrophic.”
Regional Security and Relations
Addressing regional tensions, Vučić also commented on relations with neighboring countries, particularly Croatia. He dismissed claims that Zagreb fears the strengthening of Serbia’s military, noting that Croatia has a strong army and is a NATO member, and stressed that Serbia does not intend to attack its neighbors.
“You are naive if you think Croatia is afraid. They have a strong and powerful army. They are part of NATO and have no reason to fear. They may not like a stronger Serbia, but they know Serbia will not attack,” Vučić said.
He also stressed that Serbia does not underestimate other actors in the region, including Albanians in Kosovo and Albania, and emphasized that responsible policy must focus on maintaining peace despite rising tensions and global conflicts affecting the Balkans.
Vučić concluded by asserting that regional stability is of critical importance, especially considering the historical experience of wars in the former Yugoslavia, and reiterated that Serbia, despite strengthening its own capacities, will continue pursuing a policy aimed at preserving peace with Croatia and other neighbors.
