The Balkans are entering a period of intense geopolitical fluidity, as Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić announced that he "might resign soon." His term ends in the spring of 2027, and he has been in power since 2017. The Serbian politician appears exhausted by continuous maneuvering between Russia and Europe, without which small and poor Serbia cannot survive, while facing criticism from both sides. Consequently, Vučić decided to "jump ship," seeing that the US, as the example of Hungary demonstrated, is not a reliable support factor. Vučić does not want to lead a country that the EU will "swallow," forcing it to sever its special ties with Russia. At the same time, he understands that Serbia cannot prevent the EU policy of "cleansing" Europe of dissenters and transforming it into a superpower. Thus, the era of fully submissive politicians has arrived.
"I am tired, I am leaving"
This seems to be the meaning behind the mysterious statement made by the Serbian president during his visit to China: "I might resign soon." He claimed that the situation regarding his departure will become clear at the end of June, when officials of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party will discuss the matter. Massive student and youth protests in Belgrade coincided chronologically with his visit to Beijing. Estimates regarding participation range from 30,000 to 200,000 people, with the most credible sources speaking of approximately 100,000 protesters. Incidents of violence occurred, resulting in 23 arrests, while police officers and demonstrators were injured.
Vučić sees that he has become an "obstacle" for the EU
On May 21, Vučić announced that parliamentary elections will be held in the autumn, between late September and mid-November. The president of the Serbian parliament, Ana Brnabić, stated that the ruling party will ask Vučić to become a prime minister candidate again. However, in Beijing, he made it clear that he will not accept. "When I resign, we will go to parliamentary elections and within 90 days to presidential elections, and that will be all," he characteristically stated. Vučić appears to believe that he has turned into an obstacle for the accession of Serbia to the EU due to his good relations with Russia. "Serbia has not opened a single negotiation chapter with the EU in the last five years because of its stance toward the Russian Federation," he admitted.
Serbia turns toward Brussels and NATO
The Serbian president understands that the new course Serbia will follow without him will turn not only against Russia but also against China, which holds strong economic and political interests in the country. In his article in the Chinese newspaper South China Morning Post, Vučić argued that decisions regarding China will soon be made in Brussels and not in Belgrade! Meanwhile, in his article for the American network Fox News, he reiterated his commitment to the "full integration" of Serbia into the EU, while also attempting to flatter Donald Trump.
Kosovo, Russia, and energy dependence
Belgrade appears ready to accept even the candidacy of Kosovo for accession to the EU, in order to facilitate the European path of Serbia. At the same time, the Serbian leadership knows that breaking close relations with Russia, under pressure from Brussels, will trigger intense domestic reactions. The Speaker of Parliament, Ana Brnabić, stated clearly at the Globsec Forum in Prague that Serbia wants to join the EU "not to cause problems, but to make Europe stronger politically and strategically."
Joint exercises with NATO after the bombings
A characteristic sign of the new era is also considered to be the first joint military exercises between Serbia and NATO, which took place from May 12 to May 23. NATO, which 25 years ago was bombing Serbia, causing 4,000 deaths and massive destruction, is now openly cooperating with Belgrade within the framework of the Partnership for Peace program! Military analysts point out that the exercises were primarily political in nature: to prove to Brussels that Serbia is ready for full alignment.
"Russia is left without allies in Europe"
The general conclusion is that Russia is at risk of being left without allies in Europe. Serbia, surrounded by NATO countries and completely dependent economically on the EU, seems to be led inevitably toward full compliance with the demands of Brussels. Therefore, Vučić prefers to step down before being forced to implement the harshest anti-Russian decisions himself...
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