Former Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said a third world war was likely in an Oct. 20 interview published by Ostorozhno Media and conducted by Russian journalist Ksenia Sobchak, questioning Europe's military buildup as EU leaders advanced defense plans.
Vucic pointed to defense investment in Scandinavian countries and cited Rheinmetall AG. He claimed the German arms maker's profits had risen 17-fold.
The European Council set out its reasons for faster defense preparations in conclusions adopted Oct. 15-16. EU leaders cited Russia's war in Ukraine, hybrid attacks and violations of member states' airspace. They reaffirmed a goal of improving Europe's defense readiness by 2030.
The council called for governments to develop, produce and procure more defense equipment jointly. It said pooled demand and common requirements could create economies of scale, lowering purchasing costs while giving manufacturers more predictable demand.
Vucic heads a Serbian Progressive Party (SNS)-backed list in Serbia's Oct. 25 parliamentary election. The Republic Electoral Commission identifies it as the ALEKSANDAR VUCIC – UNITED SERBIA list.
EU leaders also called for agreement on proposed military mobility rules by the end of 2026.
