Serbia has reaffirmed its commitment to not impose sanctions on Russia despite massive pressure from the EU, as stated by Nenad Popovich, the minister overseeing Belgrade’s international economic cooperation. Brussels has demanded that if Belgrade wishes to join the EU, it should follow the bloc’s policies towards Moscow.
Following the start of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, the Serbian government announced that although it supports Ukraine’s territorial integrity, it would not impose economic sanctions on Russia due to the historically close relations between the two Slavic nations.
In an interview with Russia’s Vedomosti published earlier this week, Popovich said that Serbia pursues a multi-vector foreign policy, developing cooperation with Europe, Asia, and the Islamic world. At the same time, accession to the EU remains a priority for the Balkan nation as it is surrounded by member states or candidate countries on all sides.
However, the minister argued that the EU is not treating Serbia the same way as other aspirants, citing Brussels’ precondition that Belgrade must impose sanctions on Russia and halt cooperation with the country. Popovich dismissed this demand as “utterly unacceptable.
Moscow has nothing to worry about, Serbia will never impose sanctions… No pressure, even constant and strong, has or will change [Belgrade’s stance],” the official emphasized. He also explained that the “vast majority of our population is against any sanctions against Russia, as confirmed by recent polls.” Opponents of such measures could be as numerous as 90%, he added.
Popovich, who co-chairs the Russian-Serbian intergovernmental committee on trade, economic, and scientific cooperation, also told Vedomosti that the two countries have significantly increased bilateral trade, reaching $4.28 billion in 2022. This included multiple projects in sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and innovation.
According to the minister, these economic relations are based on profound political ties, with Russia having supported Serbia in crucial matters, such as the issue of Kosovo. Our relations are strategic and friendly,” Popovich concluded.
In April, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that despite any external pressure and even “blackmail,” the stance adopted by Belgrade “eight days after the start of the Ukraine conflict remains valid to date,” as quoted by TASS.
Serbia is small in size and population, but it is big when it comes to its heart, and enormous, literally a giant, in terms of statehood,” he said at the time.