**Tonino Picula Not Welcomed by All in Serbia**
Tonino Picula, the New European Parliament (EP) standing rapporteur for Serbia, is not a welcome guest in Belgrade. Despite his requests to meet with high-ranking officials, he will not have talks with the Serbian president or foreign minister during his three-day stay.
Picula’s criticism of the situation in Serbia and the slow European integration process has made him unwelcome among Serbian leadership. His predecessors were greeted at the highest levels, but Picula’s agenda was adjusted to include a meeting with Parliament speaker Ana Brnabic after his meeting with the chair of the European Integration Committee. He also met with Minister Tanja Miscevic.
The outgoing prime minister is unavailable for meetings, citing urgent commitments. However, he will meet with another MEP on Tuesday. This has sparked controversy, and Picula’s criticism has been deemed unacceptable by some.
**Serbian President Not Willing to Meet**
Vucic said he will not meet with Picula until the rapporteur apologizes for his remarks. Vucic prepared a response for selected media regarding the unwanted guest.
“I wish him a good time and all the best… I wish him to write whatever he wants. He has his job, we have ours,” Vucic said on pro-regime Pink TV.
**Picula Will Meet Opposition Members**
Despite the controversy surrounding his visits, Picula will also meet with opposition members, NGO, and media representatives.
In contrast, the outgoing prime minister joked that he was too busy matching socks to attend a meeting with Picula.
However, following his meetings in Belgrade, Picula will travel to Novi Sad to pay respects to the victims of the November 1, 2024 tragedy. People across Serbia have been protesting for three months, demanding accountability for the tragedy.
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