Vucic on the anniversary of the Brussels Agreement: Thirteen years of lies, Serbia fulfilled its obligations

In an interview with Kosovo Online, Vucic assessed that the 2013 Brussels Agreement was the result of difficult compromises under almost impossible conditions, but that at the time it was the "least bad solution" for Serbia, ensuring the survival of the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija without recognizing independence.

Speaking on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the agreement, the Serbian president presented several assessments regarding the dialogue, implementation of agreements, and the position of the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija.

Vucic said that April 19th, 2013, "was not an easy day", but rather a period full of pressure and compromise.

"That April 19th, 2013 was not an easy day for us. It was a day full of compromises under almost impossible conditions,” the president stated, adding that the agreement ensured “basic rights for our people in Kosovo and Metohija". 

He also emphasized that Serbia at that time was facing a difficult economic situation and the consequences of transition.

"We were lied to by both Albanians and the European Union"

The Serbian president said that the Brussels Agreement has not been fully implemented and that a key part concerning the formation of the Association of Serb Municipalities (ASM) has not been fulfilled.

"We implemented the Brussels Agreement in good faith, but we were lied to by both Albanians and the European Union", Vucic said.

Foto: AP/Visar Kryeziu

He added that he is "ashamed that six out of ten points related to the ASM have not been implemented", but claimed that the responsibility does not lie with Serbia, but with those who guaranteed the agreement.

Vucic assessed that Pristina will not form the ASM and will attempt to offer alternative solutions.

"That is their next idea, to create something similar, but again within the Kosovo system", the president stated.

“When the time comes, I will speak with Magyar”

Vucic said he expects talks with the new Hungarian leadership and believes in the continuation of good relations with Budapest.

"It is quite certain that I will speak with Prime Minister Péter Magyar when the time comes. I believe we will find common ground", Vucic said, emphasizing that Serbia and Hungary have "countless joint projects and interests".

Foto: AP/Denes ErdosPeter Magyar

He added that, in his view, a policy of pressure continues in order to make Serbia accept the “de facto independence of Kosovo,” which he said is unacceptable.

Speaking about the trial of former KLA members in The Hague, Vucic said he does not want to interfere in the judicial process but reiterated his stance on the suffering of Serbs.

"I do not want to interfere in that. It is known what we think about the crimes against our people", the president stated.

He added that, according to him, selective justice is present in the region and that responsibility for crimes against Serbs is often overlooked.

"Serbia is always ready for talks"

The president emphasized that Serbia has no formal preconditions for dialogue but is always ready for talks.

"When you are not at the table, you are on the menu", Vucic said, adding that even the most difficult conversation is better than conflict.

He also assessed that the international community reacts selectively to events in Kosovo and Metohija.

Vucic stated that Serbia provides financial assistance to the Serbian community in Kosovo through various social programs and benefits.

"As much as we can, as a state we will support our people in Kosovo and Metohija", the president said.

International relations and security assessments

Speaking about the broader context, Vucic said that Serbia is strengthening its economy and defense capacities but is facing a policy of "encirclement".

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