EU warns Serbia: Strengthening Russia ties could jeopardize EU accession

On September 4, 2024, the European Union voiced significant concerns regarding Serbia's recent efforts to bolster its relationship with Russia amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 

Peter Stano, spokesperson for the EU's foreign policy service, addressed these issues during a press conference in Brussels, following Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin's high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

Stano highlighted that Serbia, which is a candidate country for EU membership, is expected to adhere to European values and align its foreign policy with that of the EU. "We expect Serbia to refrain from intensifying and strengthening ties with Russia," Stano remarked. He stressed that such actions are at odds with Serbia’s "strategic choice to join the EU" and could jeopardize its accession process.

The European Commission has previously urged Serbia to adopt EU sanctions against Russia, reflecting the EU's stance on the ongoing conflict. Serbia's recent diplomatic engagements with Russian officials, including Vulin’s meeting with Putin, have been viewed with apprehension by Brussels. The EU has condemned Belgrade's continued interactions with Russian authorities, seeing them as contrary to the expectations of an EU candidate nation.

The EU's warnings come as Serbia navigates its path towards membership, with Brussels keeping a close watch on Belgrade's international relationships. The strengthening of ties with Russia, especially in the context of the Ukraine conflict, has raised concerns about Serbia’s commitment to EU norms and values. The European Commission's repeated calls for Serbia to align with EU policies underscore the complex dynamics at play in Serbia’s bid for accession.

As Serbia continues its negotiations and seeks closer integration with the European Union, maintaining compliance with EU foreign policy expectations remains a critical factor in its accession prospects.