EU’s Von Der Leyen Ignores Serbian PM Following Meeting with Russia
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called off her discussions with Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, referencing his recent meeting with a Russian official. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Brussels expressed dissatisfaction following Serbian Prime Minister Milos Vucevic's meeting with a Russian minister.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen canceled her scheduled discussions with Vucevic due to this encounter. During her visit to Belgrade on Friday, part of a tour of the Balkans, she met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, but she did not proceed with her planned meeting with Vucevic.
The EU ambassador to Serbia, Emmanuel Gioffre, informed AFP, “We canceled the meeting with the prime minister after his meeting with the Russian economy minister,” pointing out that Serbia had indicated its intention to “strengthen its economic relations with Russia.”
Vucevic had spoken with Russian Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov, thanking him for Moscow's support regarding Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Serbia greatly appreciates this support and will not forget,” Vucevic remarked, adding his gratitude for being invited to participate in the BRICS summit in Kazan earlier in the week.
Although Vucic decided not to attend the summit, citing conflicting commitments with Von der Leyen and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s visits, several cabinet ministers, including Deputy PM Aleksandar Vulin, represented Serbia at the BRICS meetings.
Reshetnikov expressed Moscow's gratitude for Serbia's stance against the EU sanctions on Russia. Serbia maintains a position of military neutrality and has consistently resisted Brussels' attempts to "harmonize its foreign policy" with that of the EU.
Throughout this situation, both Vucic and his cabinet have reiterated their views on the West's inconsistent stance regarding international issues, particularly in insisting on adherence to Ukraine’s borders while pressuring Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence, a move supported by NATO-aligned ethnic Albanians.
While Serbia officially aims for EU membership, the requirements include imposing sanctions on Russia and acknowledging Kosovo — conditions that Vucic has firmly rejected.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen canceled her scheduled discussions with Vucevic due to this encounter. During her visit to Belgrade on Friday, part of a tour of the Balkans, she met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, but she did not proceed with her planned meeting with Vucevic.
The EU ambassador to Serbia, Emmanuel Gioffre, informed AFP, “We canceled the meeting with the prime minister after his meeting with the Russian economy minister,” pointing out that Serbia had indicated its intention to “strengthen its economic relations with Russia.”
Vucevic had spoken with Russian Economic Development Minister Maksim Reshetnikov, thanking him for Moscow's support regarding Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Serbia greatly appreciates this support and will not forget,” Vucevic remarked, adding his gratitude for being invited to participate in the BRICS summit in Kazan earlier in the week.
Although Vucic decided not to attend the summit, citing conflicting commitments with Von der Leyen and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s visits, several cabinet ministers, including Deputy PM Aleksandar Vulin, represented Serbia at the BRICS meetings.
Reshetnikov expressed Moscow's gratitude for Serbia's stance against the EU sanctions on Russia. Serbia maintains a position of military neutrality and has consistently resisted Brussels' attempts to "harmonize its foreign policy" with that of the EU.
Throughout this situation, both Vucic and his cabinet have reiterated their views on the West's inconsistent stance regarding international issues, particularly in insisting on adherence to Ukraine’s borders while pressuring Serbia to recognize Kosovo’s independence, a move supported by NATO-aligned ethnic Albanians.
While Serbia officially aims for EU membership, the requirements include imposing sanctions on Russia and acknowledging Kosovo — conditions that Vucic has firmly rejected.
Allen M Lee contributed to this report for TROIB News
