EC on Vucic’s surprise visit to Ukraine: “Important signal,” EU expectations for candidates known

“We welcome the visit of Serbia’s President Vucic to Ukraine. It is an important signal,” said EC spokesperson Markus Lammert when asked by reporters whether Vucic’s trip to Ukraine cancels out criticism over his recent visit to Moscow.

“The European Union encourages candidate countries to stand united with us in our policies towards the Russian aggression against Ukraine,” said Lammert.

However, a question about Vucic’s refusal to sign the declaration adopted at the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit on Wednesday remained unanswered.

Lammert repeated the words of the EU Commission president that the EU’ objective is “a full unconditional ceasefire of at least 30 days.”

“This pause in hostilities could serve as a vital step towards reducing civilian suffering and allow space for meaningful talks for genuine peace,” said Lammert.

Serbian President Vucic visited Ukraine on Wednesday to participate in the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit. During his visit, he said that he did not sign the final declaration adopted at the Summit because it calls for imposing sanctions on Russia over the war.

This was Vucic’s first visit to Ukraine since the invasion began.