Serbia's EU Path Stalled by Refusal to Sanction Russia, President Says

Serbia's path toward European Union membership is blocked by its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, according to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. He stated that the imposition of sanctions against Russia and Belarus is the "key condition" for advancing in the EU accession process.

Vucic expressed skepticism about the likelihood of the EU opening Chapter 3 of Serbia's accession negotiations this month. This chapter covers areas such as taxation, social policy, and education. The president's remarks follow a recent annual report by the European Parliament, which highlighted not only Serbia's lack of alignment with EU foreign policy but also democratic backsliding, institutional weaknesses, and the erosion of freedoms within the country.

The European Parliament's rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, specifically linked the stagnation to insufficient progress on democratic standards and the rule of law. While the European Commission had recommended opening Chapter 3, eight member states reportedly opposed it at the ambassadorial level, preventing consensus. The issue is slated for further discussion in the General Affairs Council.

Despite voting in favor of UN resolutions condemning Russia's aggression and territorial violations in Ukraine, Serbia has consistently refused to join EU sanctions against Moscow. Belgrade cites historical, religious, and economic ties as reasons for its stance. Serbia, which gained EU candidate status in 2012, formally began accession negotiations in 2014.

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The key condition is always, as you should know, sanctions against Russia (...) That is the only condition. Against Russia and Belarus.