New Democratic Party of Serbia Demands Reconsideration of Serbia’s EU Path

Milos Jovanovic (Beta Photo/Amir Hamzagic)

After recognition of secession of Kosovo and Metohija had been made a clear condition for Serbia’s accession to the EU, it was necessary to reconsider the idea of the country’s EU path, New Democratic Party of Serbia leader Milos Jovanovic said on July 26.  

Jovanovic said indications had existed since 2008 that recognition of Kosovo’s independence would be a condition for Serbia to join the EU, stressing that after a recent statement by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, it could no longer be denied by any politician in Serbia.   

“A public debate should be opened, as the incumbent cabinet like the one in 2008, is still speaking about stepping up Serbia’s EU accession and of the EU path as having no alternative. Today, the EU demands from Belgrade not only to acknowledge Kosovo’s independence, but also to impose sanctions against Russia,” the New Democratic Party of Serbia leader stressed.  

Jovanovic added that he could understand the government for buying time regarding the Ukraine crisis and the demands to impose sanctions against Russia, but only if a clear course of action was in place.

Jovanovic expressed hope that the government would not impose sanctions against Moscow, noting that in case it did, he would call his party supporters to join street protests.