Serbian President Compares Europe to Roman Empire Before Fall, Warns of 'Moral Superiority' Fallacy

Speaking at the World Policy Conference in Chantilly, France, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić delivered a stark assessment of Europe's current standing, as reported by Le Figaro. Vučić asserted that Europe mistakenly believes it holds a "moral and democratic superiority" over other global powers, a notion he finds "totally false." He drew a historical parallel, comparing Europe's current state of unawareness to the Western Roman Empire in its final days before collapse.

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We mistakenly believe we have a kind of moral and democratic superiority over others, which is totally false.

Vučić elaborated on this point, suggesting that Europe tends to "belittle and underestimate others." He pointed to specific areas, such as artificial intelligence and robotics, where he believes Europe is falling behind not only the United States but also China. The Serbian leader emphasized the demographic, technological, and defense challenges facing the continent, expressing pessimism about Europe's future trajectory over the next two decades. "We don't understand that we are lagging behind other regions of the world," he stated, highlighting a perceived lack of self-awareness within European leadership.

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I think it's like the Western Roman Empire, which didn't understand what was happening at its borders, didn't want to recognize it, and eventually collapsed.

Despite his sharp critique, President Vučić reiterated Serbia's unwavering commitment to joining the European Union. Serbia has been an official candidate since 2012, with accession negotiations ongoing since 2014. He expressed a strong desire for integration, even stating that Serbia doesn't require veto power, commissioners, or even EU funds. This stance underscores Serbia's strategic alignment with the EU, even as its leadership voices concerns about the bloc's direction and global competitiveness.

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We tend to always belittle and underestimate others.

From a Serbian perspective, Vučić's remarks carry significant weight. While Western media often focuses on Serbia's EU aspirations and challenges like normalization with Kosovo or relations with Russia, Vučić's speech highlights a broader geopolitical concern shared by many non-Western nations: the perceived arrogance and stagnation of established powers. His comparison to the Roman Empire serves as a potent warning, urging Europe to recognize its vulnerabilities and adapt to a rapidly changing world. For Serbia, seeking its place within the EU, this commentary reflects a complex balancing act – advocating for integration while simultaneously challenging the very foundations of the bloc's self-perception.

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We don't understand that we are lagging behind other regions of the world, not only compared to the United States in terms of artificial intelligence and robotics, but also compared to China.