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Serbia to Urge Europe, US to Prevent Mitrovica Bridge Opening
🇷🇸 Serbia /Energy & Infrastructure

Serbia to Urge Europe, US to Prevent Mitrovica Bridge Opening

From N1 Serbia · () Serbian

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić will ask Europe and the US to prevent the opening of a bridge in Mitrovica.
  • The bridge, separating northern and southern parts of the city, is reportedly set to be controlled by Kosovo police starting September 1.
  • Vučić also discussed future government reforms, particularly in education, emphasizing the need for modernization and increased teacher accountability.

President Aleksandar Vučić announced on Tuesday that Serbia will implore European and U.S. officials to prevent the opening of a bridge over the Ibar River in Mitrovica. The bridge, which divides the city's northern and southern sectors, is slated for control by Kosovo police beginning September 1, a move Vučić fears will escalate tensions.

I am afraid, and everyone is afraid. That is why we will beg and ask. It will not be difficult for me to call anyone, even if I have to call Washington, to help on this matter. Anyone who can help.

— Aleksandar VučićSpeaking to reporters about the potential opening of the Ibar River bridge in Mitrovica.

"I am afraid, and everyone is afraid," Vučić told reporters during a visit to a school in Raška. "That is why we will beg and ask. It will not be difficult for me to call anyone, even if I have to call Washington, to help on this matter. Anyone who can help."

I will beg first the people in Europe to help, and if they cannot, I will call Washington, and I will also ask them not to open the bridge. Enough persecution of the Serbian and Christian population in Kosovo and Metohija, and I believe that the people in Washington will understand that. I believe, I have no guarantees, but I will reach everyone to beg for our people, the freedom of our people, the peace and tranquility of our children.

— Aleksandar VučićExplaining his diplomatic strategy to prevent the bridge opening.

He stated his intention to appeal first to European leaders, and if unsuccessful, to Washington, seeking their intervention to avert the bridge's opening. Vučić expressed his belief that U.S. officials would understand Serbia's concerns regarding the treatment of its citizens in Kosovo and Metohija, emphasizing his commitment to pleading for his people's freedom, peace, and tranquility.

Especially painful reforms for education will be for some who have learned that their day passes without them doing anything significant, while thinking about how to have higher incomes.

— Aleksandar VučićDiscussing upcoming educational reforms.

Separately, Vučić addressed potential reforms within the education sector should his Serbian Progressive Party win upcoming elections. He indicated that significant, potentially difficult, changes would be implemented to modernize the system, improve teacher performance, and align educational programs with future needs, including those driven by artificial intelligence. He stressed the necessity of competition and accountability, moving away from what he described as a system burdened by unproductive state employees.

We must ensure better and higher incomes, but also better schools with better programs, so that we have children prepared for the future and life.

— Aleksandar VučićElaborating on the goals of education reform.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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