Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stated that he believes the European Union supports the University of Belgrade Rector, Prof. Vladan Dokic, who recently indicated his willingness to run for president. Speaking in Paracin on Wednesday, Vucic asserted that those who desire a less independent Serbia or one more reliant on external views would support Dokic or another candidate over him.
He added that he is too resolute and too devoted to Serbia to be favored by powerful interests. When questioned about a meeting between Dokic and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Vucic noted that Dokic has met with officials at levels higher than Kos, though these encounters were not publicly disclosed, questioning the relevance of a meeting with a university rector. Vucic also criticized those who advocate for an independent Kosovo, including Italian MEP Sandro Gozi.
He accused such individuals of prioritizing financial gain, suggesting they are paid lobbyists for Kosovo’s independence, a status Serbia has not recognized for 18 years. Vucic pointed to Gozi as one of his staunchest critics in the European Parliament, citing Gozi’s repeated claims that Serbian elections, particularly those in December 2023, involved fraud. Amid these statements, Vucic maintained that while Prof.
Dokic has evident support within the EU, his primary focus remains securing the support of the Serbian people, rather than relying on backing from foreign nations or institutions. Dokic’s announcement came after a Belgrade protest in late March defending academic freedom, organized by students and lecturers following a police search at the University of Belgrade.
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