Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has openly accused Croatia of obstructing Serbia’s efforts to join the European Union.
During a televised appearance, Vučić claimed that following Serbia’s revival, Croatia has joined forces with other regional actors, including Kosovo and Albania, to contain Belgrade’s growing influence.
“Serbia has risen like a phoenix from the ashes,” Vučić said, referring to his country’s strengthened position, which he claims has prompted neighbors to form a coalition against it.
He added:
“Why don’t our neighbors want us in the EU? The reason is simple. They thought that once they joined the EU and NATO, and with the previous Serbian leadership not treating the country properly, everything would be over, and they would become the dominant force from Triglav to Istanbul, and certainly in the area stretching to Bulgaria and Greece. Since Serbia has risen, since it has awakened and become stronger, they want to curb its power. There’s no deep philosophy here. That’s why they have aligned with Pristina, Tirana, and all the others.”
Vučić’s remarks continue a pattern of regional accusations, reflecting tensions with neighboring countries over influence, EU integration, and regional power dynamics.
