Political Analyst Srećko Djukic: Serbia’s Bluffing on Its EU Path Has Come to an End

Srecko Djukic (Photo: Beta/Milan Obradovic)

Srecko Djukic, a former diplomat and political analyst, on April 21 said that the statement by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos on April 20 had put an end to Serbia’s bluffing on its EU path.

Djukic told BETA that the EU had finally realized what had been happening in Serbia, adding that Brussels would no longer tolerate the games of the Belgrade authorities regarding the country’s EU path. 

“Belgrade will no longer receive money from EU funds, because it has not been implementing any of its obligations on its EU path. At this moment, the Belgrade authorities are required to implement the Venice Commission’s recommendations regarding a set of judicial laws, to organize fair elections, and ensure freedom of expression and freedom of the press. However, there will also be other measures, including more rigorous rules for border crossing, while introduction of EU entry visas should not be ruled out. Serbia’s bluffing on its EU path has definitely come to an end,” Djukic specified. 

He also said that the EU had told the Serbian authorities - “you will either be with us, or against us.” Djukic added that “the EU will keep Serbia within its framework and will not allow other geopolitical powers to be installed here.” 

Asked about possible Belgrade’s response to the latest EU position, Djukic said that the authorities would adopt all laws, but their implementation would remain questionable. 

In Brussels on April 20, Marta Kos said that Serbia could count on EUR1.5 billion from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans once it had fully implemented the Venice Commission’s conclusion on changes to judicial laws and ensured free and fair elections, freedom of expression and freedom of the press.