Lopandić: Serbia's self-isolation process towards the EU is now yielding negative results

Duško Lopandić, a prominent figure in the Serbia Center (SRCE) party and a former diplomat, has sharply criticized Serbia's current political trajectory, asserting that the nation is paying a heavy price for its self-imposed isolation from the European Union. Lopandić contends that this policy, characterized by an ambiguous "alliance with everyone," has eroded trust and resulted in Serbia receiving a fraction of the financial aid allocated to EU member states.

“

In Serbia, the process of self-isolation towards the EU continues and is now yielding results, and those results stem from the policy of 'alliance with everyone,' so in the end, it has come to the point where no one trusts you anymore.

Speaking to Nova TV, Lopandić highlighted the stark financial disparity, noting that while Hungary receives approximately $40 billion, Serbia's potential EU funding barely reaches $1.5 billion. He attributed this significant loss directly to the current regime's policies, emphasizing that Serbia's failure to integrate with the EU comes at a substantial economic cost. Furthermore, he pointed out that Serbia is not even meeting the basic prerequisites for receiving EU funds, which include adherence to democratic principles, the rule of law, and media freedom – standards he claims are being violated within the country.

“

Hungary receives about 40 billion dollars, and Serbia, even if it receives anything, it would be 1.5 billion. That's how much this regime costs us, by not being members of the EU.

Lopandić drew a pointed comparison between Serbia and Montenegro, recalling that both nations were at similar stages in their EU accession process a decade ago. He expressed dismay that while Montenegro is now finalizing its membership agreements, Serbia remains in a state of political and economic stagnation, largely due to its own strategic missteps. This comparison underscores his view that Serbia has squandered a critical opportunity for progress and integration, falling behind its regional peers due to a misguided foreign policy.

“

Now the situation is that Serbia does not meet even the prerequisites for consideration for the allocation of funds. And the prerequisites are related to democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom, which are violated here.