The US conservative network CPAC has postponed the launch of its Balkan branch, originally scheduled for 18 November in Belgrade, to next year.
- The 18 November Belgrade event has been postponed to next year, with no new date announced.
- CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp said the November timing was overly ambitious.
- Aleksandar Vučić, described as a former Serbian President, was set to host and give the keynote address.
- The conference was meant to focus on energy and bring together regional conservative leaders and activists ahead of Serbia's parliamentary elections.
- CPAC has previously hosted speakers including Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán.
The Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), a US network of conservative activists and politicians, has postponed the launch of its Balkan branch, which was scheduled for 18 November in Belgrade. CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp confirmed the delay to the Serbian outlet Insajder, as reported by European Western Balkans. The event is now expected next year, but no new date has been announced.
Aleksandar Vučić, described in the report as a former Serbian President, was due to host the conference and deliver the keynote address.
Organizers cite overly ambitious timing
Schlapp said the November date had proved unrealistic. "The conference has been postponed until next year. We were overly ambitious in thinking we could hold it in November. We look forward to an impactful conference," he told Insajder.
What was originally announced
According to Insajder, CPAC announced the plan to set up a Balkan chapter ahead of Serbia's parliamentary elections. The first conference was meant to bring together regional leaders and activists who promote national sovereignty, family, faith and entrepreneurship. Energy was named as the main topic of the Belgrade gathering.
In its statement on the new chapter, CPAC said it was expanding its "network of conservative leaders united against globalism and the radical left into Europe's most strategically important region".
About CPAC
CPAC brings together influential American conservatives. Its events have featured speeches by US President Donald Trump and other prominent Republicans. Viktor Orbán, described in the report as a former Hungarian Prime Minister, has also given opening addresses as a guest. CPAC has held events in Italy, Brazil, Israel, Japan and other countries.
The next concrete step is an announcement of a new date for the launch of the Balkan branch, which CPAC has not yet made.
Frequently asked questions
Why was the CPAC Balkan branch launch in Belgrade postponed?
CPAC chairman Matt Schlapp said the original November date was unrealistic and that the organizers had been overly ambitious in planning it for that time.
When will the CPAC Balkan branch conference take place?
The conference has been postponed to next year, but CPAC has not yet announced a specific new date.
Who was expected to speak at the Belgrade CPAC event?
Aleksandar Vučić, described in the report as a former Serbian President, was due to host the conference and deliver the keynote address.
What was the main topic of the planned CPAC conference in Belgrade?
Energy was named as the main topic, with the gathering aimed at regional leaders and activists who promote national sovereignty, family, faith and entrepreneurship.
