President Aleksandar Vučić expressed disappointment in the United States’ handling of Kosovo, stating in an interview with the German daily „Süddeutsche Zeitung“ that he had hoped former President Donald Trump would take a tougher position against Albin Kurti’s government in Prishtina. Vučić also criticized the prominent role of Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani in the so-called “Peace Committee,” which he said was unexpected from the Trump administration.
Vučić explained that while the U.S. has been helpful in maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia, he had expected a firmer approach to Kosovo:
“They provoke all Serbs living in Kosovo. And here is the so-called Peace Committee, where President Osmani performs as the main star. This was not what we expected from the Trump administration,” Vučić said.
Regarding Serbia’s ambitions to join the European Union, Vučić reaffirmed that Beograd is intensifying its integration efforts, though full membership remains distant:
“Yes, we are intensifying our efforts; soon you will see results. In the coming days, we expect EU recommendations, which we will present to Parliament. We will accept all of their recommendations. However, I do not believe that we can become a full member of the EU soon.”
Vučić proposed a model of a “multi-speed Europe”, working alongside Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama:
“I believe in a common market, in a Europe without borders. If we could politically and economically join the EU this way – without voting rights, veto power, or our own commissioner – that would make us very happy,” he said.
He stressed that Serbia does not seek to benefit from the EU market and Schengen area without meeting standards of rule of law and democratization:
“The pressure will remain, and we must face it,” Vučić added.
The president’s comments underscore Serbia’s cautious approach toward the U.S. and EU while balancing domestic and regional political pressures.
