Oct 22, 2024 – Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic announced that he will not attend this week’s BRICS summit, citing scheduling conflicts as his nation seeks to maintain a delicate balance between ties with Russia and its aspirations to join the European Union.
Vucic explained that his absence from the summit, which brings together leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, was due to a planned visit by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Polish Premier Donald Tusk, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Belgrade. He said he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin to convey his regrets and asked for understanding regarding his decision.
Serbia, which remains a close ally of Russia but has ambitions to integrate with the EU, has been walking a tightrope amid increasing pressure from Western nations to align with their policies, including on sanctions against Moscow. Vucic has been attempting to navigate these competing interests, positioning his country as a potential bridge between East and West.
While Serbia seeks to join the EU, its continued economic and political cooperation with Russia remains a point of contention for Brussels and Washington. However, Vucic’s decision to prioritize meetings with EU and regional leaders could signal a renewed commitment to deepening relations with the West.
The BRICS summit, an annual event, will continue without Serbia’s direct participation, but Vucic’s absence underscores the complex diplomatic balancing act his country faces in its international positioning.
