Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vucic expressed scepticism about Serbia’s chances of EU accession at the Globsec security conference in Prague on August 31.

Vucic’s comments come more than two decades after the 2003 Thessaloniki Summit, when the EU first committed to the integration of the Western Balkans. Despite this commitment, Serbia and five other states in the region are still striving to join the bloc.

"I wish all the best to Montenegro, but I don't believe that they will be part of the EU until 2028, and I don't believe that we will be either," Vucic said during the panel discussion titled "The Rise of the Western Balkans in the EU".

"I'm not a big dreamer," Vucic said. "I don't believe we are going to be a part of the EU in 2028." Vucic previously said Serbia would have to "climb Mount Everest" to meet EU accession requirements.

To join the EU, Serbia must implement reforms to align itself with EU standards regarding the rule of law, judiciary, and tackling corruption. The EU has also made normalisation with Kosovo a requirement of membership, which means Belgrade must stop blocking Kosovo’s efforts to join international organisations.

As a result of the waning EU membership prospect, and what Belgrade sees as constant moving targets, Serbia has been exploring other options. 

Since 2008, Serbia's approach to foreign policy has been characterised by a pragmatic balancing act, maintaining good relations with all powers, including the EU, US, Russia, China and Turkey, while strengthening ties with countries in the so-called "Global South."

The President’s remarks at Globsec coincided with Serbia's landmark deal with France's Dassault Aviation for the purchase of 12 Rafale fighter jets on August 29, signalling a possible shift away from its traditional military ties with Moscow.

Some have interpreted the deal as a sign Belgrade is pivoting Westward. Others see it as a continuation of Serbia's long-term strategy to diversify its international relations, maintaining friendly relations with the EU and its foes.