Economics defines future of Western Balkans

LONDON - The future of the Western Balkans will no longer be defined by politics, but by economics, says Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic.

I do not think that politics is that important anymore, it is the economics that defines the future of Western Balkans, Vucic said at the beginning of his lecture at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) late Monday.

Serbia is dedicated to the EU path - we are not going to beg anyone to accept us, but we need to carry out reforms to deserve it, Vucic said.

We have good working relations with Russia, the United Arab Emirates and China, but the most important thing is to modernise and keep reforming, Vucic said.

No one is untouchable, and no one will be able to get rich at the expense of the state, Vucic said during his lecture in a packed theatre.

He said that the police have arrested all those responsible for the recent attacks on bakeries and sweetshops owned by ethnic Albanians.

After the lecture, Vucic responded to questions from the audience.

Asked about media censorship, Vucic said that censorship is non-existent in Serbia, and added that his past makes him an easy target for attacks.

I am hearing serious accusations, but no proofs here - it is difficult to comment on something like that, he said.

Speaking about Russian President Vladimir Putin's recent visit to Serbia for the celebrations marking the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Belgrade, Vucic said that Russia's role in the liberation of Belgrade is a very obvious reason why Putin was invited to the parade.

We want to maintain good working relationships with Russia, but this will not change the strategic goal - the EU...