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Vučić Accuses EU of Violating Rule of Law Over Rector Meeting
🇷🇸 Serbia /Elections & Politics

Vučić Accuses EU of Violating Rule of Law Over Rector Meeting

From N1 Serbia · (2d ago) Serbian Critical tone

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić accused the European Union of violating the rule of law.
  • Vučić's criticism followed a meeting between EU official Marta Kos and the Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić.
  • The President argued that the meeting constituted a political discussion inappropriate for a university rector.

President Aleksandar Vučić has sharply criticized the European Union, accusing it of undermining the principles of the rule of law. The Serbian leader's ire was sparked by a meeting between EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Vladan Đokić, the Rector of the University of Belgrade.

The EU has thus 'somewhat violated the principles of the rule of law' because it is a political discussion, and the rector has no right to engage in politics.

— Aleksandar VučićCommenting on the meeting between EU official Marta Kos and the Rector of the University of Belgrade.

Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a new railway bridge, Vučić stated that the EU's engagement with Rector Đokić, whom he referred to as a political figure, represented a breach of legal norms. He questioned the propriety of such a meeting, emphasizing that a university rector should not be involved in political discourse.

They (the EU) have the rule of law on their lips, but they violate those principles when it suits them, while being grandmasters at lecturing others.

— Aleksandar VučićCriticizing the EU's perceived hypocrisy regarding the rule of law.

Vučić expressed his disappointment that EU officials, who frequently lecture others on the rule of law, appear to disregard these principles when it suits them. He further lamented that Rector Đokić would engage in discussions with external officials while allegedly not being available for dialogue with those who hold different views within Serbia, implying a preference for external validation over domestic consensus. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and differing perspectives between Serbia and the EU regarding governance and political engagement.

I am sure that these were substantive discussions and that they will bring a lot to Serbia.

— Aleksandar VučićSarcastically commenting on the meeting's potential outcomes.
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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