Serbia’s EU bid stalled over refusal to sanction Russia

The European Parliament has stated in a newly adopted resolution that Serbia will not be able to join the European Union (EU) unless it imposes sanctions against Russia.

The document emphasises that Serbia’s EU accession process will advance only if the country achieves tangible and lasting progress in key areas, Caliber.Az reports, citing the European Parliament.

It highlights the rule of law, alignment with EU security policy, and the adoption of sanctions against Russia as primary conditions for further negotiations.

The resolution was supported by 457 out of 632 members present at the session, while 103 voted against and 72 abstained.

Serbia applied for membership in the European Union in 2009 and has been an official candidate since 2012.

In its latest statement, the European Parliament warned that Belgrade’s continued refusal to impose sanctions on Moscow undermines its credibility as an EU candidate.

EU officials also noted that deepening energy ties with Russia and limited progress in talks with Kosovo have further slowed Serbia’s accession track, signalling that the opening of new negotiation chapters will remain on hold until political alignment is achieved.

By Jeyhun Aghazada