Executive Summary
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Serbia to “get concrete about joining” the EU, demanding significant reforms including rule of law, electoral improvements, media freedom, and greater alignment with EU sanctions against Russia.
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić continues to balance the country’s EU membership aspirations with strong existing ties to both Russia and China, particularly due to Chinese investments in its mining sector.
- The article highlights the impact of US sanctions on Serbia’s oil sector and the upcoming expiration of its gas contract with Moscow, set against the backdrop of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the EU’s solidarity with Western Balkan partners.
The Story So Far
- Serbia’s aspiration for European Union membership is complicated by its delicate geopolitical balancing act, as it maintains strong economic and diplomatic ties with both Russia and China. This position creates a significant challenge for Belgrade, which faces increasing pressure from the EU to align its foreign policy—particularly regarding sanctions against Russia—and implement substantial democratic reforms as a prerequisite for further integration, especially in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its impact on the region.
Why This Matters
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit signals the EU’s escalating pressure on Serbia to demonstrate tangible progress on democratic reforms and, crucially, to align its foreign policy with EU sanctions against Russia. This demand forces Serbia to navigate a complex geopolitical balancing act between its EU aspirations and its strong ties to Russia and China, potentially necessitating difficult choices that could significantly impact its energy security and broader economic relationships.
Who Thinks What?
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urges Serbia to make concrete progress towards EU membership by implementing significant reforms, including aligning its foreign policy with EU sanctions against Russia, respecting the rule of law, improving electoral processes, and ensuring media freedom.
- Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić aims for EU membership but pursues a complex diplomatic strategy, balancing these aspirations with strong existing ties to both Russia and China.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urged Serbia to “get concrete about joining” the European Union during her visit to Belgrade on Wednesday. She pressed for significant reforms, including respect for the rule of law, electoral improvements, media freedom, and greater alignment with EU sanctions against Russia.
EU Membership Demands
During a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, von der Leyen stated, “We need to see greater alignment in our foreign policy, including on sanctions against Russia.” She acknowledged that the necessary reforms demand “patience and endurance,” but emphasized the need for an inclusive approach to build a “more stable and peaceful society.”
Serbia’s Geopolitical Balancing Act
President Vučić has consistently pursued a complex diplomatic strategy, balancing Serbia’s aspirations for EU membership with strong existing ties to both Russia and China. China, in particular, has made substantial investments in Serbia’s mining sector, adding another layer to its foreign policy considerations.
Domestically, Serbia has experienced nearly a year of anti-government protests. These demonstrations were sparked by a fatal railway station roof collapse, leading to accusations of corruption and calls for early elections.
Regional Context and Sanctions Impact
The impact of US sanctions targeting Russia has significantly affected Serbia’s oil sector, with its largest oil firm facing delayed measures earlier this month. Furthermore, Belgrade’s gas contract with Moscow is set to expire at the end of the year.
Von der Leyen highlighted the solidarity extended by the European Union to its Western Balkan partners, mirroring support for its own member states, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She noted the “devastating impact across our entire continent” caused by the conflict.
Outlook
Von der Leyen’s visit underscores the EU’s continued expectation for Serbia to demonstrate tangible progress on democratic reforms and foreign policy alignment. This commitment is seen as crucial for advancing its path towards European integration amidst the intricate regional and global political landscape.
