President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić attended the United Kingdom–Western Balkans regional business conference “Building Futures.” Addressing participants, Vučić remarked that although he had prepared a speech, he decided to shift focus after hearing several noteworthy data points. He highlighted the striking fact that services account for 40 percent of the United Kingdom’s exports, calling it an impressive benchmark and a guide for how Serbia should shape its own economic development. Vučić also noted that UK Finance is among the fastest lenders to respond in the region, adding that Serbia would welcome slightly lower interest rates.
The President stated that it would be beneficial for the United Kingdom to support the construction of the Ruma–Bijeljina–Tuzla high-speed railway, which would reduce travel time between Belgrade and Tuzla to just an hour and a half. He reiterated his belief that all Western Balkan countries belong in the European Union, despite mutual rivalries and differing expectations about accession timelines. He stressed that the region can contribute most to its future only if it moves forward together.
Vučić noted that Serbia had previously offered to work with Zagreb on a joint high-speed rail project, but Croatia declined, indicating it was not interested in eastern connections. As a result, Serbia proceeded with the Belgrade–Budapest line, which will eventually enable a travel time of just five hours between the centers of Belgrade and Vienna. The President also reflected on challenges in the education sector, noting that Serbia is falling behind global trends and must urgently prioritize innovation, artificial intelligence and technological development. He emphasized that Serbia must be prepared to change and adapt.
Vučić concluded by stating that Serbia will continue to act responsibly, safeguard stability and maintain peace, while working to accelerate growth alongside its neighbors in the region.
United Kingdom Ambassador Edward Ferguson also addressed the conference, noting that bilateral trade exceeded 1 billion pounds for the first time last year and that an increasing number of British companies are active in Serbia, particularly in solar energy and decarbonization. He emphasized that the United Kingdom sees further potential for cooperation, especially in green transition initiatives.
Ferguson added that the UK is not arriving “empty-handed,” announcing 24 billion pounds in financing available for the Western Balkans region and up to 5 billion pounds earmarked specifically for Serbia. The goal, he explained, is to help regional governments become stronger exporters and more competitive in global markets.
Mihailo Vesović, Deputy President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, described the United Kingdom as one of Serbia’s most desirable partners in science and technology. He stressed that successful strategic cooperation must rest on three pillars: institutional, industrial and technological alignment. Vesović noted that Serbia must advance its green and energy transition, both to meet EU accession standards and to strengthen its own economy, and highlighted the role the United Kingdom can play in that effort. He also underlined the importance of artificial intelligence and data centers, which are increasingly becoming essential components of modern industry.
