Serbian President Highlights Changing Relations with the U.S. Under Trump

The relationship between Serbia and the United States has significantly shifted during President Donald Trump’s tenure, according to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. Memories of NATO’s 1999 bombing campaign remain vivid, yet Vučić notes a transformation in public perceptions.

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Vučić praised the Trump administration’s focus on economic cooperation over political pressure. He said this approach resonated with many Serbs, contrasting sharply with previous U.S. governments. “If you ask people in Serbia to compare Clinton and Trump or Democrats to Republicans, you’d see a difference,” he stated.

The contrast is notable in Serbia, a nation still mindful of the 1999 NATO bombing during the Kosovo conflict. This was a pivotal event intended to stop Serbian forces from cracking down on ethnic Albanians in Kosovo.

Vučić recently invited Trump to visit Serbia, predicting a warm reception. “We hope to host him; people will be ready to welcome him in large numbers,” Vučić said. The relationship shift increasingly centers on economics and technology.

Serbia and the U.S. aim to launch a strategic dialogue focusing on energy, infrastructure, and advanced technology. Projects under consideration include energy infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Serbia is positioning itself as a regional economic hub and is preparing for Expo 2027 in Belgrade. Vučić highlighted Serbia’s economic growth, noting that the country’s GDP increased from 32 billion euros when he became prime minister to over 100 billion euros today.

The Trump White House brokered economic normalization agreements between Serbia and Kosovo, focusing on infrastructure and economic links rather than political disputes. In September 2020, Vučić and then-Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti signed deals at the White House aimed at enhancing rail and highway connections.

Asked about recognizing Kosovo’s independence to boost Serbia’s EU membership prospects, Vučić emphasized economic cooperation over political status discussions.

While pursuing EU membership, Serbia maintains ties with Russia and China. Vučić argued against choosing geopolitical sides, citing Trump’s visit to China as an example of pragmatic diplomacy focused on national interests.

Vučić supports Israel and warns against rising antisemitism. He insists Serbia will oppose such trends while he is president.