The abrupt cancellation of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s visit to the U.S., followed by uncertainty surrounding his planned trip to Moscow, has revealed a deep crisis in Serbia’s foreign policy. What was once framed as strategic diplomacy now appears more like a desperate attempt to cling to power, writes DW.
Vučić reportedly experienced chest pain and high blood pressure during his visit to Florida, leading to an emergency return to Belgrade. However, questions quickly arose in Serbia regarding the true purpose of the trip—was it truly official or merely a personal endeavor? Was Vučić genuinely unwell, or was this an excuse to cover up a failed diplomatic effort?
Finance Minister Siniša Mali claimed the visit aimed to address economic issues, but the main event Vučić was attending was a Republican National Committee meeting and a donor dinner hosted by Donald Trump—hardly the venue for state-level discussions. According to veteran Serbian diplomat Ivan Vujačić, normal diplomatic channels were not followed, and reports suggest Vučić may have even been denied entry to the Mar-a-Lago estate, despite paying an entrance fee.
Experts argue Vučić sought a photo-op with Trump to bolster his image back home amid political turmoil, even if no official meeting was planned.
In a further diplomatic twist, Vučić had intended to travel next to Moscow for Russia’s Victory Day Parade on May 9, potentially signaling a shift away from the EU. However, EU representatives sharply condemned the visit, warning it could jeopardize Serbia’s EU accession path, especially in light of the war in Ukraine.
EU Commissioner Marta Kos reiterated that Serbia, as a candidate country, must align its foreign and security policy with the Union. Vučić, however, stood firm, stating,
“Maybe I’ll be the only one in Moscow. I don’t want our new government to pay the price—I’ll take the hit.”
Analysts like Vuk Vuksanović believe Serbia’s foreign policy is now driven by personal political branding, not national strategy. With strained ties in all directions—Washington, Brussels, and Moscow—Vučić’s room to maneuver appears to be shrinking fast.
