Vucic: Serbia’s Refusal to Impose Sanctions Against Russia Main Obstacle to EU Membership

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic (BETAPHOTO/MILOS MISKOV)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on July 10 that Serbia has little chance of joining the European Union (EU) in the near future, largely because of a decision by the authorities in Serbia not to impose sanctions against Russia.

Eight of the EU's 27 member states opposed opening Cluster 3 in Serbia’s accession negotiations, three EU diplomats told Euronews. In an interview with Pink television, Vucic said the Serbian authorities did everything in their power to secure the opening of the cluster, but that the negotiating process is not merit-based.

The president said he hopes Serbia will nevertheless join the bloc one day, but that membership will still be out of reach even if Belgrade imposes sanctions on Russia and Belarus. “Serbia would not be admitted even if it introduced sanctions, because Kosovo would then become the issue,” Vucic said.

When asked to comment on Croatian President Zoran Milanovic’s remarks about Serbia’s military buildup, Vucic said the country will continue investing in military equipment. He said he believes the further strengthening of the armed forces is necessary to preserve peace and stability, adding that he is not intefering in what other countries are doing and has no problem with neighboring states increasing their military capabilities.