Last night in Brussels, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić expressed concerns following discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, stating that Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo have instigated an arms race in the region. This comes after they breached a subregional agreement from 1996 by signing a defense cooperation memorandum last Tuesday.

In response to Croatian Defense Minister Ivan Anušić’s assertion that Croatia is free to sign agreements at will without consulting Belgrade, Vučić remarked to accompanying Serbian journalists that they should have formally informed Serbia of their decision to terminate existing agreements, thereby nullifying sub-regional arms control.

“They have initiated an arms race in the region. This poses a serious challenge for us, but we have grasped their message and will uphold our nation’s integrity, defending it against any potential aggressor, regardless of their strength,” Vučić stated, adding that he brought up this issue during his meeting with Rutte.

He also mentioned his belief that NATO may not have been made aware of Croatia, Albania, and Kosovo’s violation of the 1996 subregional agreement through the trilateral memorandum signed yesterday.

“This constitutes a breach of the 1996 subregional arms control agreement. Yet, from the reactions of Croatia and neighboring regions, it’s evident they are not particularly invested in these matters. I am quite convinced that NATO was uninformed and that agreements were not properly disclosed as violated; however, I doubt Pristina, Zagreb, or Tirana will be concerned about this,” Vučić continued.

Vučić indicated it is now Serbia’s responsibility to “comprehend the reality” and “prepare for the future in alignment,” emphasizing that Belgrade has understood the implications.

Responding later, Anušić asserted that “the era of Croatia seeking guidance from Belgrade on actions and strategies has long since passed,” following an announcement from the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about seeking clarification from Croatia and Albania regarding their defense cooperation memorandum with Kosovo.

Discussing his meeting with Rutte, Vučić noted that NATO showed “great respect” towards Serbia, labeling the day as “successful” for the nation in Brussels.

“The one-on-one discussion (with Rutte) and subsequent delegation dinner extended for two hours and 40 minutes. We addressed significant topics, including bilateral relations, the situation in Kosovo and Metohija, Serbian Army relations with KFOR, and the status in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the overarching aim of maintaining peace and stability in the region,” Vučić reported.

He added that these discussions cover “key matters of vital importance” for Serbia, asserting that for compelling reasons, he cannot share all specifics.

“We will persist in our dialogue, remaining in constant communication to uphold peace and stability within a conflict-free zone in the Western Balkans. This is critically important to us and, I would argue, to NATO as well,” Vučić affirmed.

Following his meeting with Rutte, Vučić posted on Instagram, expressing his optimism for enhanced cooperation between Serbia and NATO going forward.

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