European integration expert Vladimir Međak has criticized Serbia’s absence from the EU-Western Balkans summit in Brussels, describing it as a confirmation of the complete collapse of Serbia’s foreign policy under President Aleksandar Vučić.
Međak told Beta news agency that Serbia’s current administration has suffered setbacks in relations with the European Union (EU), United States, and Russia, which will have serious political and economic consequences for the country.
“By not attending Brussels, Vučić sent a message to his voters that Serbia is angry with the EU, even though there are no real reasons for such anger. Serbia has failed to meet the requirements to open Cluster 3 for the past four years, as repeatedly stated in European Parliament and European Commission reports,” Međak said.
Triple Foreign Policy Collapse
Međak highlighted what he described as three major failures of Vučić’s foreign policy:
- Conflict with the US – Denied access to the Republican Convention in Miami.
- Tensions with Russia – Sanctions and tariffs on NIS threaten Serbia’s gas supplies if Russia loses control of the company.
- Isolation from the EU – Serbia was not even mentioned as a future EU member by European Council President Antonio Costa, while Montenegro and Albania were recognized as near-future members.
“In just a short period, Serbia has managed to remove itself from the European path it once led. Vučić’s refusal to follow EU recommendations sends a negative signal to both citizens and investors,” Međak added.
Economic and Political Consequences
The expert warned that foreign investors are increasingly avoiding Serbia, choosing neighboring countries with stronger rule of law and functioning institutions. This, he noted, risks further economic stagnation and decline in growth, unlike Montenegro or Albania, which continue to attract EU investments.
“Without a change in government, there is little hope for improvement. The consequences of abandoning European integration requirements will be felt by ordinary citizens on both political and economic levels,” Međak concluded.
President Vučić announced on Tuesday that no Serbian representatives would attend the Brussels summit, stating that the decision was necessary to “protect Serbia’s interests.”
