Serbia and Ukraine have pledged to deepen economic cooperation and complete a long-delayed free trade agreement by the end of the year, as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Belgrade.
The commitment came on the final day of Zelenskyy’s two-day visit, his first to Serbia since taking office in 2019. Serbia also promised humanitarian, infrastructure and energy support for Ukraine, including €2m for its energy sector.
At a glance:
- The proposed trade agreement has been under discussion for more than two decades.
- Ukraine blocked a deal in 2005 over agricultural quotas and tariffs.
- Serbia said it would support Ukraine’s European Union membership bid and territorial integrity, while continuing to refuse sanctions on Russia.
- The countries also signed a memorandum covering animal health and food safety.
Trade agreement remains the central economic goal
Both governments are now aiming to finish the free trade agreement by the end of the year. The agreement is important to Serbia’s bid to join the World Trade Organization and is described as a prerequisite for its EU membership.
Ukraine had blocked progress since 2005 because of concerns about quotas and tariffs affecting its agricultural sector. The leaders presented movement on the pact as evidence that economic ties between the countries are expanding.
Aid and regional cooperation alongside trade talks
Vucic said Serbia would help rebuild Ukrainian cities damaged by Russia’s invasion. Zelenskyy said the two sides discussed joint infrastructure projects and cooperation on energy and food security before winter, and he thanked Serbia for preparing a humanitarian package focused especially on medical and energy needs.
Zelenskyy also said he discussed economic and logistics projects with Serbian Prime Minister Duro Macut, including the Danube Corridor and stronger links between Ukraine, the Western Balkans and the EU. The countries signed a memorandum on animal health and food safety.
Serbia keeps separate positions on Russia and Ukraine
Vucic said Serbia would support Ukraine’s EU bid and maintain its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, including territories seized by Russia since 2014. Belgrade has nevertheless refused to impose sanctions on Moscow, its longtime ally, and remains dependent on Russia for most of its gas.
Serbia condemned Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 but has sought to reduce some military dependence on Russia, including through an agreement to replace ageing MiG-29 fighter jets with French Rafale aircraft. Vucic and Zelenskyy said military cooperation was not discussed during the visit.
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