Bundestag MP: Serbia Can No Longer Remain on Fence

Josip Juratovic (Beta/Milos Miskov)

Bundestag MP Josip Juratovic has stated that Serbia can no longer remain on the fence with regards to the war in Ukraine and instead must choose a side: either the European or the Russian.

Juratovic, a representative of the ruling Social Democratic Party of Germany and the president of the Bundestag’s Committee for the Western Balkans, told N1 TV late on May 3 that Serbia is expected to join the announced sixth set of sanctions against Russia, which entail an embargo on buying Russian oil and oil derivatives.

“Serbia must decide how much it can do – but we do have expectations. The sanctions impact not only Russia but [the EU] as well. Serbia must, in a show of solidarity, choose the right side. In a way, [it must] assume a measure of responsibility which will not be easy for [the country],” Juratovic said.

The Bundestag MP further explained that “it is expected of countries en route to the EU to stand with other democratic countries.” “Simply put, Serbia is expected to stand with the EU. What that will exactly entail – the level, manner and details can all be discussed, but we must be certain of the side Serbia has chosen,” he added.

Commenting on the current negotiations between Serbia and Russia concerning the import of Russian natural gas, Juratovic said that no one from Europe will criticize a government for discussing the terms of future contracts. He did, however, clarify that said negotiations “will be closely monitored to determine whether they are taking place because [Serbia has] no alternative, or because [the country] wants to remain on the fence.”