Serbia's EU Membership Unlikely Before 2030, Says President Vucic

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed doubts about the country joining the European Union by 2028, suggesting 2030 as a more realistic target. His comments followed a recent defense deal with France. Serbia faces challenges including improving democracy, economy, and aligning foreign policies with the EU's sanctions against Russia.

Serbia's President Aleksandar Vucic announced on Saturday that the country is unlikely to join the European Union by 2028, a target year for many Western Balkan states aiming for EU membership. 'I don't believe we are going to be a part of the European Union in 2028,' Vucic stated during the Globsec security conference in Prague. 'It's not going to happen; I don't lie to my people.'

Vucic added that if any Western Balkan nation were to join the EU, it wouldn't be before 2030, although the situation remains uncertain. His remarks came shortly after Serbia signed a significant weapons deal with France's Dasault Aviation, marking a shift away from its defense ties with Russia.

In order to join the EU, Serbia needs to make substantial improvements in areas such as democracy, the rule of law, its judiciary, and economy, along with combating corruption and organized crime. The country has consistently condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and supplies Kyiv with artillery ammunition, but Belgrade must still align its foreign policies with the EU, including imposing sanctions on Moscow. Montenegrin President Jakov Milatovic, speaking at the same panel, expressed optimism about his nation's EU membership by 2028.

(With inputs from agencies.)