LSV Opposes NIS Sale Under Shadow of Moscow-Budapest-Belgrade Deal

From the perspective of the League of Social Democrats of Vojvodina (LSV), the potential sale of Naftna industrija Srbije (NIS) is deeply concerning and smacks of backroom deals that disregard the Serbian public's right to know. Our President, Bojan Kostreš, has made it unequivocally clear in his open letter to Peter Magyar, the prospective Hungarian Prime Minister, that we stand firmly against any resolution concerning Serbia's energy future being shaped in the shadows of agreements between Moscow, Budapest, and Belgrade.

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we oppose that the fate of NIS is decided in silence, under the shadow of an agreement between Moscow, Budapest and Belgrade.

We are not opposed to Hungary or to market-based solutions. Our objection is rooted in a profound distrust of the current opaque process. The fact that negotiations are reportedly being conducted in secrecy, especially when Serbia possesses pre-emptive purchase rights, strongly suggests potential corruption and a continued Russian influence over NIS. This is unacceptable. Serbia's citizens deserve transparency and a clear understanding of how such a vital national asset is being handled.

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Serbian citizens have the right to know the truth about the negotiations.

LSV believes that if MOL is genuinely interested in NIS, the entire process must be conducted with absolute public openness. This includes publishing the terms of the negotiations, identifying the negotiators, disclosing the price, and outlining the obligations of the future owner. Furthermore, an independent and expert public review of all relevant documentation should be permitted. This is not merely about a business transaction; it is about safeguarding national interests and ensuring accountability.

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Especially worrying is the fact that Serbia wanted to buy NIS and, according to available information, has pre-emptive purchase rights, but the Russian side did not allow it. Instead, negotiations are being conducted with MOL, obviously at the request and under the control of Russian interests.

Peter Magyar has a critical opportunity here. He can demonstrate a commitment to a politics of principle over a politics of interest. We urge him to use his influence to prevent the citizens of Vojvodina, Serbia, and Hungary from becoming passive observers of deals struck by powerful forces behind closed doors. The LSV is committed to ensuring that the energy future of our region is decided in the light, not under the cloak of secrecy and potential corruption.

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If MOL is truly interested in NIS, then everything must be completely public – the terms of the negotiations, who is negotiating, the price and the obligations of the future owner must be published, and the expert and independent public must be given insight into the documentation.