# 186. President Aleksandar Vučić: Russia, China, and How Serbia Could Join the EU

An episode of [The Rest Is Politics: Leading](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1665265193), 26 Apr 2026, 1 h 06 min.

Audio: https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/GLT7276687304.mp3?updated=1777473395

How does President Vučić justify Serbia's geopolitical balancing act between Russia, China, and the European Union? Why does he warn that if the EU further delays enlargement, the United States might seize the opportunity to build its own sphere of influence in Southeastern Europe? Can Serbia join the EU without recognising Kosovo's independence, and what would that mean for Europe's future? Rory and Alastair are joined by Aleksandar Vučić, President of Serbia, to discuss all this and more. __________________ Search IG.com to find out more and/or Look for IG in your app store. __________________ Social Producer: Celine Charles Videographer: James Clayden, Video Editor: Josh Smith, Vasco Andrade Assistant Producer: Daisy Alston-Horne Senior Producer: Nicole Maslen Exec Producer: Chris Sawyer General Manager: Tom Whiter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them.