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It sounds threatening: “Tough times lie ahead for Serbia. […] But we will fight. And Serbia will win.” Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (54) addressed his people on Instagram with this message. Is he announcing a new Balkan war? Vucic does not say what he means with his ominous message. But his behavior in recent weeks gives indications of this. Blick explains why the Serbian president rattles his saber so much.
“We have to fight for our chances”
Two days ago, Vucic announced the prospect of Serbia leaving the Council of Europe. The reason for this is Europe’s attempts to include Kosovo in the Council. In his mysterious Instagram post on Tuesday evening, Vucic wrote: “Over the past 48 hours, we have received information that directly threatens our national interests.” Is he referring again to the possible accession of Kosovo to the Council of Europe – and thus to the departure of Serbia?
It is possible. As early as March 17, on the twentieth anniversary of the riots of more than 50,000 Kosovo Albanians against Serbs and other minorities, Vucic said in his speech that the West had to choose between Serbia and Kosovo. If Europe makes the wrong decision, Serbia will “wait for the best moment and fight for our chance.”
To many observers, Vucic’s words sounded like a serious threat. A quick look back: In December, Vucic spoke admiringly about the current and previous presidents of Azerbaijan. The two waited a total of 27 years for the “appropriate geopolitical conditions” to retake Nagorno-Karabakh.
US report warns: Vucic threatens – will there be war?
Has now come the “best moment” for Vucic to attack Kosovo? After all, the conflict between Serbia and Kosovo has been escalating for months. Last September, Vucic deployed Serbian troops to the border with Kosovo. This after Serbian paramilitaries attacked Kosovan police officers.
And a US intelligence report warns of an “increased risk of inter-ethnic violence” this year. Violence between two different population groups – such as Serbs and Kosovo Albanians. The conflict between Serbia and Kosovo is even mentioned as an example in this report. All signs point to escalation, but experts are still certain: a new Balkan war is not (yet) in sight.
Vucic risks a fire
And maybe Vucic doesn’t have to declare a new Balkan war either. His threats alone could be enough to achieve his goal: denying Kosovo access to the EU. The more Vucic threatens violence or further support for Russia, the more likely he is to receive support from the West. Because in Europe they want to prevent Russia from expanding its power in Europe at all costs.
But what Vucic actually means with his ominous message: he is playing with fire – because he knows very well that in the Balkans a single spark is enough to start a fire.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
