EditThe mike was on: Vučić’s Moscow remark steals the show in Brussels
Serbian President discussed in Brussels the potential for Serbia to import petroleum products from Bulgaria and Romania, amid ongoing energy supply challenges.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s visit to Brussels on 10 December for a working dinner with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa began with an awkward moment that quickly drew attention.
As the leaders prepared for a joint photo, Vučić casually told von der Leyen that he had “a message from Moscow,” unaware that microphones were on. The Commission chief swiftly interrupted him, suggesting they wait until the official setting, visibly uncomfortable with the remark. The content of the message remains undisclosed, but the incident highlighted Serbia’s delicate balancing act between its ties to Russia and its aspirations for European Union membership.
Despite the gaffe, the meeting focused on substantive issues, particularly Serbia’s path toward EU accession and its pressing energy challenges.
Vučić described the conversation as pleasant and substantive, expressing satisfaction with the tone, especially on energy matters. He emphasized that Serbia faces mounting difficulties in its energy sector, noting that no crude oil had reached the Pančevo refinery for over two months due to disruptions linked to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The situation has been exacerbated by U.S. secondary sanctions targeting the Russian-owned Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), Serbia’s primary oil company and operator of the country’s only refinery. Vučić warned that warnings about further banking sector sanctions could arrive at any moment, potentially triggering severe economic problems. He expressed greater concern over oil supplies than gas and voiced hope for EU support in diversifying energy sources and routes.
The discussion also covered broader regional and strategic topics. Vučić reiterated his long-standing view on the security situation in Europe, stressing the importance of peace and stability in the Western Balkans. He argued that halting the Ukraine conflict, even temporarily, would be welcome, but he doubted it would prevent future escalations. For Serbia, he said, maintaining regional peace is paramount, a point he directly conveyed to his European counterparts.
The leaders reportedly explored practical energy solutions, such as importing derivatives from Romania and Bulgaria, building new pipelines, including product pipelines capable of transporting refined fuels, and establishing a gas interconnector with North Macedonia.
Vučić highlighted Serbia’s economic strengths to underscore its readiness for deeper European integration. He pointed to forecasts from the IMF and World Bank suggesting Serbia could become one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies in the coming years, while noting its low public debt compared to major EU countries like Germany, France, and Italy. These factors, he argued, make Serbia a reliable partner.
On the EU accession process, progress remains stalled. Serbia has not opened new chapters since December 2021, and Cluster 3, covering fundamentals like the rule of law and media freedom, remains unopened. Vučić acknowledged no new developments on this front, noting that decisions ultimately rest with member states. He expressed frustration that some in Serbia might welcome the delay, but he reaffirmed his commitment to reforms.
A key highlight of Vučić’s remarks was his proposal for the simultaneous accession of all Western Balkan countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, into the EU. He argued that staggered integration would create new borders and unresolved disputes, potentially destabilizing the region.
Vučić urges ‘all-in’ EU entry for Western Balkans to secure regional stability
Instead, joint membership would ensure open borders, foster prosperity, and promote lasting peace. Vučić dismissed criticism, including from Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, who welcomed the idea but suggested Montenegro might join earlier, in 2028. Vučić responded that he would have preferred Spajić’s comments on more pressing regional issues, but he framed the proposal as responsible and wise, emphasizing that celebrating neighbors’ successes should not provoke resentment.
Von der Leyen and Costa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to Serbia’s democratic future within the Union, stressing the need for accelerated reforms in rule of law, media freedom, and foreign policy alignment.
Commission President emphasized that EU enlargement remains a geostrategic imperative for the Union, while underscoring that Serbia must align more closely with the EU’s common foreign and security policy.
Serbia once again declined to join the EU’s sanctions against Russia and Belarus, including the package adopted on 23 October in response to Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and its support for that aggression. Just days earlier, Vučić had stated for the first time that Serbia could impose sanctions on Russia if the government so decided.
In its annual progress report on Serbia’s EU integration efforts, the European Commission again urged the country to adopt sanctions against Russia and highlighted that reforms are advancing at a significantly slower pace than required.
Sources: EU Audiovisual Service, RTS, BTA
Vučić’s ultimatum: 50 days for Russia to exit Serbia’s oil giant
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Updated: December 11, 2025 - 12:22
