Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said Tuesday evening in Brussels that he informed top European Union (EU) officials that a sound cannon wasn't used during the March 15 protest in Belgrade, and that Serbian authorities are prepared to let the EU verify this.
Following a working dinner with European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen and President of the European Council Antonio Costa, Vucic spoke to the media – excluding N1, as our correspondent did not receive an invitation. He asserted that the Serbian government did not use a sound cannon, that they have “nothing to hide” and are “entirely open to any examination.”
“I told my hosts that there was no sound cannon involved, that we are prepared to let them verify this in every way possible, and that we will provide answers to the European Court of Human Rights, even though this is not prohibited anywhere in Europe,” Vucic said.
However, the European Commission President did not mention in her post on X that the protests in Serbia were discussed with Vucic, nor did she publicly address his comments regarding the sound cannon.
Von der Leyen noted that an important meeting was held with Vucic, and that Serbia needs to deliver on EU reforms, in particular to take decisive steps towards media freedom, the fight against corruption and the electoral reform. “Serbia’s future lies in the EU,” wrote Ursula von der Leyen.
Vucic also said that a delegation from the Russian FSB intelligence agency would arrive in Serbia in two to three days and expressed hope that the American FBI would come to Belgrade within a week to investigate claims regarding the use of sound weapons against demonstrators on March 15 in Belgrade.
“I told Ursula and Antonio to send whoever they want; we are ready to show them everything and prove that it didn’t happen,” Vucic added.
He said he believes that von der Leyen and Costa “could see how much patience” the Serbian government has shown in its intention to maintain peace, to avoid any signs of nervousness, and to refrain from using force.
“We will continue to act in this manner, aiming for Serbia to move forward and for the situation to stabilize, so children can return to school, and senseless blockades can end,” the Serbian president added.
Vucic said he was “very satisfied” with the talks he had with EU’s top officials, adding he believes the meeting “was very significant for the future of Serbia” and that its impact would be evident in the near future.
“The talk was cordial, substantive, open, responsible, and serious. We covered many topics, the key issue was Serbia’s European future. I said that Serbia will be absolutely dedicated to this goal, more than ever before, but I also mentioned that we will soon have a decision about forming a new government or calling new elections,” he said.
Vucic noted that they also discussed the political situation in the region, the need to maintain stability and peace, the economic situation, and “the things Serbia needs to do in the realm of the rule of law so as to manage to open the remaining clusters in the accession negotiations.”
He pointed out that Serbia aims to open clusters 3 and 2 by the end of the year and to make rapid progress toward the EU, but added that it must also undertake significant efforts on its own.
“I believe that in the next month, we can achieve major advancements concerning the electoral rolls, the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM), and media laws, as that is in the interest of everyone in our country,” he emphasized.
Costa: The future of Serbia lies in the EU
European Council President Antonio Costa said in a post on X that he discussed with Vucic and von der Leyen “the need to advance on EU related reforms.”
“Progress is needed in media freedom, fight against corruption and the electoral reform. Tangible achievements in areas that can directly benefit the Serbian people are within reach,” Costa wrote, adding: “The future of Serbia lies in the EU.”
“The state wanted to speak with Rector Djokic, but he refused”
Vucic said that government representatives wanted to speak with Professor Vladan Djokic, the Rector of the University of Belgrade, but that he refused.
Responding to questions from reporters in Brussels, Vucic said the state “will not pay salaries to those who are lazy,” and accused rectors and deans of being involved in organizing student blockades.
“The government always pays salaries and pensions, but for work performed, not for laziness. Let’s not get into the fact that rectors and many deans are the protest organizers… If you haven’t worked, you can be a rector a hundred times over but you can’t expect to get a salary, even if you threaten us a hundred times more…” Vucic said.
The president added that some rectors and deans do not want the situation to be resolved and for students to return to their studies, as they fear accountability and fantasize about color revolutions.
