European Commission chief halts meeting with Serbian PM following Russian engagement

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has cancelled her meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic after he held discussions with Russian Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov.

“We cancelled the meeting... after the prime minister met with the Russian economy minister,” EU Ambassador to Belgrade Emanuel Joffre told French media, per Caliber.Az.

Joffre noted that a statement published on the Serbian government’s website (later removed) suggested Serbia's intention to enhance economic ties with Russia. “In this context, the head of the European Commission felt there was no reason for a meeting with the prime minister,” he explained. The statement revealed that Vucevic spoke with Reshetnikov and the Russian delegation about “further strengthening economic and general cooperation between the two countries.”

Von der Leyen arrived in Belgrade from Bosnia and Herzegovina, following visits to Albania and North Macedonia. After her time in Serbia, she plans to travel to Kosovo and conclude her regional tour in Montenegro.

The Russian delegation, led by Reshetnikov, is in Belgrade for a two-day working visit, with a meeting scheduled between the minister and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on October 26.

On October 25, during a press conference in Belgrade, von der Leyen announced the provision of €1.5 billion to Serbia for economic reforms. However, she did not address questions from journalists regarding discussions about Serbia's relations with Moscow or the alignment of Serbia's foreign policy with the EU.

On October 16, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that the EU is exerting pressure on Belgrade, imposing numerous conditions on cooperation, which has led Serbia to express interest in joining BRICS.

Earlier, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova emphasized that EU member states struggle to maintain their identity, commenting on Vucevic’s statements about Serbia's aspirations for full EU membership.

By Tamilla Hasanova