In an exclusive interview for Euronews, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić set the record straight on the turmoil and reiterated his call for dialogue with demonstrators, nine months into ongoing country-wide protests.

Belgrade

In an interview with Euronews, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić stated that his government remains dedicated to dialogue in response to ongoing protests in the country. Vučić said he has repeatedly called for open discussions with protest leaders, even offering televised debates and the possibility of a referendum or snap elections, but these offers have not been accepted.

Vučić also reaffirmed that Serbia's path to full European Union membership is a top priority, despite criticism over its relationships with Russia and China. He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and economic integration as steps toward EU accession, and highlighted the potential political and economic benefits, including long-term stability and respect for democratic rights, that EU membership could bring to Serbia.

Serbia’s future is with the EU, President Vučić tells Euronews

In an exclusive interview with Euronews on Monday, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic stressed that his government remains committed to dialogue to end protests that have gripped the country. This was not my first call. Actually, it was my, I don't know, fifth or sixth call for a dialogue, for an open conversation. But what was the difference this time? I offered something that I saw because they reacted swiftly, but in a way nervously. I don't know why. I offered them even an open TV debate. They can pick the premise. They can pick the studio. I'm going to, I'll be able to go wherever they say. People are going more and more against protesters. People are fed up with blockades. People are fed up with violence that was happening in particular in the recent weeks. The protesters are now calling for a snap election. Is there going to be one? Is this something that you think could move things forward? We wanted to fulfill all their requirements, all their requests, all their demands. And I was referring to them, saying, OK, we are doing it, we are doing that, we did that. Are you happy with that? They were saying, no, we continue with this. Now this is bigger than us, bigger than you. OK. I said then, OK, you want to go for a referendum against myself, I'm ready to go within two days. They were saying, no, that's a treason, that's a betrayal. If someone accepts it, we don't go, we are not politicians, we don't need politics. After that, I was offering elections. They were also saying the same. Ljubic also asserted that Serbia's path to full European Union membership remains its top priority, despite criticism over Belgrade remaining on cordial terms with Moscow and seeking partnership with the likes of Beijing. Until I leave the place, Serbia will remain very firmly on EU path, committed and dedicated to that path, conducting and implementing necessary reforms. There are some other things that we can do together, which is a unique market, which is a region without real frontiers, without real borders, without any obstacles for trading or flowing capital, people, whatever. This is something that we need to accomplish before we get closer to EU. There are a lot of stuff to be done for us and I'm very much aware of that. You've said that you've no doubts it has a European future. Yes. Can I ask you to give a direct message, one to the Serbian people and one to the European audiences, you know, what will Serbia win from joining? What will the EU gain from you being part of the EU? I know thousands of things which we're going to gain joining the EU. And it's not only economy. Politically, I think that Serbia can get many things, can get long-term stability, safety and security as well, can guarantee to its people peace for many decades, which is of an utmost importance. And also observance and respect of basic democratic and human rights.

Strikes on the Nasser hospital in Gaza that left at least 20 people dead, including rescuers, journalists and health-care workers are being met with global outrage. The Israeli military is investigating what Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netnayahu called a ‘tragic mishap.’

Middle East Conflict

Israeli PM calls deadly strikes on Gaza hospital a ‘tragic mishap’

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is back in ICE custody and is facing deportation to Uganda, the Department of Homeland Security says, after he was released from criminal custody last week.

Baltimore

Abrego Garcia in ICE custody, court blocks immediate deportation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he will meet with the U.S. and other countries this week to discuss a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin aimed at reaching a ceasefire.

Kyiv

Ukraine Invasion

Zelenskiy say he will meet with U.S., others on potential Putin talks

U.S. President Donald Trump says Chicago could be the next city to see National Guard deployment, sparking strong opposition from Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, who argue crime is already falling and federal intervention is unnecessary.

Chicago

Trump threatens to send National Guard troops to Chicago

Four journalists working with Reuters, Al Jazeera and others were killed in explosions at a Gaza hospital. Gaza officials blame Israeli drone strikes, though CBS News has not independently verified the claims.

Jerusalem

Four journalists reported dead after Gaza hospital blasts

U.S. National Guard troops patrolling the streets of Washington D.C. as part of what President Donald Trump said was his crackdown on crime began carrying weapons on Sunday night, two officials said.

Washington

National Guard patrolling Washington DC begin carrying weapons

In a visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Mark Carney affirmed Canada’s support for Ukraine and committed to sending soldiers if a ceasefire with Russia is reached.

Carney in Kyiv pledges support, possibly troops for Ukraine

The Pickett Fire is growing in California's Napa County, prompting new evacuations as it threatens homes and wineries. The flames, fueled by scorching temperatures and dry conditions, are being battled by hundreds of first responders.

Napa Valley

Evacuations ordered in California as heatwave fuels wildfire

Democrats are pushing back against President Trump's plan to send the National Guard to more cities, including Chicago, New York and Baltimore, as troops continue to patrol Washington, D.C. State and local leaders say they have crime under control.

Democrats slam Trump's plans to send National Guard to more cities

Beef prices are at record highs with the average price of a pound of ground beef topping $6. Lisa Rozner reports on what's causing prices to soar.

Why U.S beef prices are soaring

A defiant Ukraine marked its independence from the former Soviet Union Sunday amid more fighting with Russia. Chris Livesay reports on how world leaders joined in, voicing their support.

Ukraine marks its Independence Day as war with Russia continues

The boats are produced by unknown Turkish companies and are then sent disassembled in multiple shipments to avoid suspicion in what authorities say is for the sole purpose of trafficking migrants across the English Channel.

Sofia

Inflatable boats used for migrant trafficking seized

Less than 24 hours after he was released from jail, Kilmar Ábrego García was told that U.S. immigration officials plan to deport him to Uganda. The Salvadoran national, who has been living illegally in the U.S. since about 2011, was wrongly deported to his home country earlier this year.

Maryland

Kilmar Abrego Garcia told he may be sent to Uganda

Erik and Lyle Menendez remain behind bars, their hopes for release dashed by two separate parole boards more than three decades after murdering their parents. Elise Preston reports.

Los Angeles

Erik and Lyle Menendez denied parole

Tourism in Las Vegas is slumping this summer, costing the city billions. That could signal trouble ahead for the U.S. economy. Andres Gutierrez has new details.

Las Vegas

Las Vegas tourism slumps this summer, signaling trouble for U.S. economy

Texas Republicans took a victory lap after an early morning vote Saturday that sought to give their party an edge during the 2026 midterms. Democrats in Texas plan to challenge the legality of the new congressional map, saying it dilutes the power of minorities.

Austin

Texas Republicans take victory lap after redistricting vote

Israel has called the United Nations' declaration of famine in parts of Gaza an "outright lie," but multiple U.N. bodies, more than 100 humanitarian groups, and several of Israel's own allies have warned for months that the war is causing starvation among civilians.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Israel denies U.N.'s declaration of famine in parts of Gaza

U.S. President Donald Trump says he will impose sanctions on Russia if it fails to reach a peace deal in Ukraine within two weeks. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia’s ongoing attacks on his country show that President Vladimir Putin is not interested in peace.

Putin’s not interested in peace talks, Zelenskyy says

Lyle Menendez was denied parole late Friday night following a day-long hearing in California, just one day after his brother Erik's parole appeal was also rejected. The brothers have been in prison since 1996 for killing their parents in what they say was an act of self-defense.

Both Menendez brothers denied parole

At least five people are dead and dozens are injured after a tour bus traveling from Niagara Falls flipped over on the New York State Thruway near Pembroke, New York.

Pembroke

Western New York bus crash kills at least five people

Federal agents searched former Trump adviser-turned-critic John Bolton's home on Friday morning. President Donald Trump denied knowing about the investigation, which is related to his handling of classified documents.

Bethesda

FBI raids former Trump adviser John Bolton's home, office

The FBI searched former national security adviser John Bolton's house in Bethesda, Maryland, early Friday morning, the bureau confirmed to CBS News.

FBI raids former Trump adviser John Bolton's home, D.C. office

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland construction worker deported to El Salvador and then returned to the U.S. on smuggling charges, has been released from prison in Tennessee, his attorneys say.

Nashville

Kilmar Abrego Garcia released from jail in Tennessee

A bus with more than 50 people on board rolled over in New York and several deaths are being reported, officials confirm. CBS News' Jericka Duncan reports.

Tour bus crash in New York causes 'several fatalities'

Attorneys general in 14 states and Washington, D.C., accuse TikTok of designing its app to keep users hooked. Court-released edited video shows some company staff discussing the toll it can take on children and teens.

TikTok faces lawsuits over mental health risks

A parole board rejected Erik Menendez's request for release, saying he has not shown proper remorse for killing his parents 36 years ago. His brother, Lyle Menendez, faces his own hearing today (August 22).

Erik Menendez denied parole after California hearing

Russia carried out one of its largest aerial attacks of the year on Ukraine. The strikes killed at least one person and injured 15, marking Russia’s third-largest drone attack and eighth-largest missile assault this year.

Breakdown