Vučić sees little chance of Serbia joining EU soon after meeting Zelenskyy

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stating that he sees little prospect for Serbia to join the European Union in the near future due to "numerous political reasons." Despite this outlook, Vučić reaffirmed Belgrade's support for Ukraine's territorial integrity, noting that this support is mutual.

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As a political veteran, I do not currently see the possibility, above all for Serbia, of becoming an EU member soon, for numerous political reasons.

Following talks and the signing of an agricultural memorandum of understanding, Vučić conveyed to Zelenskyy that while he understands Ukraine's eagerness for rapid EU membership, he believes swift accession is unlikely, particularly for Serbia. "As a political veteran, I do not currently see the possibility, above all for Serbia, of becoming an EU member soon, for numerous political reasons," Vučić stated. He also questioned the likelihood of unanimous support for Ukraine's EU membership among existing member states, predicting that obstacles would be found.

Vučić assured Zelenskyy that Serbia would "never create a problem" for Ukraine's EU aspirations. He highlighted the importance of access to the EU single market for both nations but expressed doubt about a consensus on accelerating their European integration. "Unfortunately, it has turned out that my skepticism was justified," he added.

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They always find someone. For us, they will find some Croats, Bulgarians, Dutch. For the Ukrainians, they will find others. But at this moment, I do not see the possibility of this realistically being put into practice.

On economic matters, Vučić reported a significant increase in bilateral trade between Serbia and Ukraine, reaching approximately $450 million last year and $321 million in the first six months of the current year. Key Ukrainian imports include iron ore, soybeans, soybean meal, and flaxseed, while Serbia exports fruit seedlings, sunflower seeds, and baby food. Vučić anticipates further growth in cooperation, particularly in agriculture and energy, and foresees more frequent meetings between Serbian and Ukrainian officials post-war.

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Serbia would 'never create a problem' for Ukraine on its path towards the EU.