President Aleksandar Vučić: Europe vilifies Trump, but we in Serbia see a friend
Serbia’s Growing Favor for Trump Highlights Shift in U.S.–Europe Relations
Belgrade, Serbia – The relationship between Serbia and the United States has taken an unexpected turn in recent years. While many European governments and citizens have grown wary of Washington’s “America First” stance, Serbians have increasingly viewed former President Donald Trump as a rare ally who respects national sovereignty and economic pragmatism.
The change began during Trump’s first term, when the U.S. administration listened to Serbia’s concerns about its future in the European Union. Serbian officials remember meetings at the White House that were “long, respectful and never patronizing.” In a rare public statement, a Serbian diplomat described the experience as a “refreshing departure from the past,” noting that Trump “engaged sincerely and treated Serbia with respect.”
Serbia’s unique position on the continent has made the shift especially striking. The country suffered heavily during the 1999 NATO bombing campaign, leaving deep scars and a legacy of war‑related trauma. Yet, Serbians now see Trump as a “peacemaker” who has helped to “undo decades of mistrust of U.S. leadership in this region.”
The recent attempt on Trump’s life at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was met with strong condemnation in Serbia. “We radiated genuine, visceral solidarity,” one Serbian official said, reflecting the country’s emotional response to the attack.
Beyond politics, Serbia’s economic profile has bolstered its appeal to Washington. The country consistently posts one of the highest GDP growth rates in Europe, outpacing the Eurozone. It has become a hub for data centers and an integral part of the European electric‑vehicle supply chain. Serbia also holds the continent’s second‑largest lithium deposits, a critical resource for Western industrial independence.
“Serbia sits at the intersection of critical energy, transport and digital corridors linking Southeast Europe to the wider continent,” the diplomat noted. The country’s advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence and biotechnology sectors are poised for growth ahead of Expo 2027, which will be hosted in Belgrade.
Serbia’s government has reiterated its commitment to full European Union membership, emphasizing that a strong Europe requires resilient, sovereign partners. “We believe Serbia’s unique relationship with the United States can serve as a vital asset for the entire continent’s stability and growth,” the diplomat added.
Serbian leaders have also highlighted the country’s historical resilience. During World War II, Serbians were among the few groups in occupied Europe to launch a large‑scale uprising against Nazi forces. This legacy informs the nation’s deep appreciation for defending borders and national culture.
Looking ahead, Serbian officials have expressed enthusiasm for a potential visit by Trump. “He would receive a welcome unlike any seen in Europe since Nixon’s 1970 visit,” one diplomat said. The country’s leaders argue that a U.S. presence in Belgrade would signal a new era of partnership built on mutual respect and economic cooperation rather than ideological posturing.
The evolving Serbian stance toward Trump underscores a broader realignment in U.S.–European relations. While many European elites vilify the former president, Serbians view him as a leader who “values national sovereignty over faceless bureaucracy” and “prioritises economic reality over ideological fantasy.” As Washington seeks dependable supply chains and reliable regional partners, Serbia’s strategic location, political stability and economic dynamism position it as a key partner in the 21st‑century geopolitical landscape.
