On Friday, July 19, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz will make an unexpected visit to Belgrade, Serbia, to take part in the signing of a cooperation agreement between the EU and Serbia on the import of minerals, including lithium.
Three sources told Politico about this, according to Yevropeiska Pravda.
According to the publication, lithium is an important raw material in the production of electric vehicles. Germany, as the largest automaker in the EU, is very interested in securing lithium supplies, especially within Europe, to reduce its dependence on China.
According to Politico's sources, European Commission Vice President Maroš Šefčovič is also expected to attend the signing ceremony.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had considered joining the trip, but her participation is uncertain given that she still needs to secure her re-election to a second term in a vote in the European Parliament on Thursday.
In May, Šefčović said that a lithium deal with Serbia could be concluded “within a short period of time.”
The newspaper also writes that the visit is unusual, as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has been largely isolated among European leaders due to his controversial flirtations with Russia and China, tensions with Kosovo and allegations of election fraud.
Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 17/07/2024