European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has canceled a meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vucevic. The politician had previously met with one of Russia's ministers. “There is no reason to hold a meeting,” said the EU ambassador in Belgrade.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Serbia on Friday. She was welcomed by President Aleksandar Vučić. Her decision to cancel the meeting with Prime Minister Miloš Vucevic was communicated by the European Union ambassador in Belgrade, Emanuele Joffret, AFP news agency reported.
The reason for Von der Leyen's change of plans was a meeting between Vucevic and Russia's Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov. In an interview with AFP, Emanuele Joffret said the message was later posted on the Serbian government website. He stressed that the meeting was aimed at strengthening ties between the two countries. As he pointed out, the message was later deleted.
– In light of such statements, the President of the Commission decided that there was no reason to hold a meeting (with the Prime Minister of Serbia), said the EU ambassador in Belgrade.
Serbia. European Commission President canceled meeting with Prime Minister
Ursula von der Leyen has been in the Balkans for several days. The purpose of the visit is to discuss EU economic development plans worth 6 billion euros and the progress of European integration with the Balkan authorities.
See also: Is Serbia leaving the European Union? President Vucic has no illusions
Previous European Commission Presidents were, among others: in Bosnia and Herzegovina. During the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the EC had decided to immediately release 20 million euros from the aid fund to areas destroyed in the country as a result of the floods.
War in Ukraine. Serbia did not participate in sanctions against Russia
Serbia has not yet joined international sanctions against Russia. However, the country has repeatedly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Although President Vučić has not met directly with the Russian leader since February 22, 2022, relations between the two countries are maintained at the ministerial level.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk visited Belgrade on Wednesday. There he met with Prime Minister Miloš Vučić and President Aleksandar Vučić. This is the first visit by a Polish government leader to the country since 2013.
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