Serbian Energy Minister: Serbia and Russia Remain Reliable Partners in Energy Sector

Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic (BETAPHOTO/Ministarstvo ruradstva i energetike/Nenad Kostic)

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic said in St. Petersburg on June 5 that Serbia and Russia remain reliable partners in the energy sector and that she believes a model of cooperation that is in the best interest of both sides will be found in the dialogue.

Speaking at a panel as part of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), Djedovic Handanovic said that Serbia and Russia have a long-standing partnership in the energy sector, the Ministry of Mining and Energy quoted her as saying on June 5. 

"Gas supply at competitive prices has contributed to the growth of our economy over the last decade and has helped us avoid a sudden increase in fuel prices and a decrease in competitiveness, like some other countries in Europe. We are aware that energy is used as an instrument in geopolitical conflicts, but we will continue to do all we can to increase Serbia's energy security, enhance infrastructural ties with [our] neighbors and maintain relations with [our] traditional friends," said the minister.

Serbia, she pointed out, is grateful for Russia's support in difficult times when supply stability was key, like during the 2022 energy crisis.

On the subject of the challenges stemming from the war in the Middle East, Djedovic Handanovic said that Serbia, as a landlocked country, an EU candidate and the only one in Europe that has not imposed sanctions against Russia, is exposed to great pressure, especially after the introduction of U.S. sanctions against Gazprom Neft.