Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić told the Financial Times that the collapse of a Donald Trump‑branded hotel in Belgrade, backed by Jared Kushner, has not deterred his push for more American capital. “Americans are smart people … looking for a bigger influence,” he said, emphasizing a strategic dialogue with Washington.

Vučić highlighted the energy sector as a prime target, citing a multibillion‑dollar Danube hydropower plant and a large data centre powered by renewables. The US has sanctioned Serbia’s sole refiner NIS over its Russian ownership, but temporary waivers have been granted while Belgrade negotiates a sale of Gazpromneft’s 56 % stake to Hungary’s MOL. Vučić expressed confidence the deal will close before the waiver expires in July.

Opposition leader Savo Manojlović called the Kushner project a “breakdown of the rule of law,” while Vučić blamed the EU for resisting US commercial footholds in the Balkans, saying he underestimated Europe’s desire to “show the Americans who’s the real boss.” The European Commission stressed compliance with environmental and tender rules for any foreign investment.