The European External Action Service (EEAS) published its latest assessment on Monday, May 11, 2026, detailing the extent to which Serbia has aligned its foreign policy with the European Union’s restrictive measures. The report highlights a continuing “selective” approach by Belgrade, particularly concerning Russia and regional neighbors.
Decisions Rejected by Serbia
Serbia has formally declined to align with the following EU restrictive measures:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH): Belgrade did not support the extension of restrictive measures toward BiH, which are now set to remain in place until March 31, 2027. Notably, all other regional candidate countries (Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia) and even BiH itself supported the EU’s decision.
- Ukraine/Russia (War Crimes): Serbia rejected the EU’s decision to impose sanctions on nine individuals accused of undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine. These individuals are specifically linked to the atrocities in Bucha, which have been classified as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Decisions Accepted by Serbia
Despite the rejections above, Serbia did align with the EU on two specific fronts:
- Iran: Belgrade supported two declarations involving restrictive measures against individuals and legal entities related to the ongoing situation in Iran.
- Moldavia: Serbia aligned with measures targeting states or entities involved in the destabilization of Moldova, signaling support for Chișinău’s sovereignty amidst regional pressure.
The Geopolitical Context
The EEAS report underscores the complex balancing act performed by the Serbian government. While the alignment on Iran and Moldova shows a willingness to cooperate with Brussels on certain international security matters, the refusal to sanction individuals involved in Bucha or to support measures regarding Bosnia remains a significant point of friction.
This “cherry-picking” of foreign policy alignment continues to draw criticism from EU officials. As High Representative Kaja Kallas noted earlier today, full alignment with the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is increasingly seen by Brussels not as a formal obligation, but as a definitive sign of whether a candidate country shares the EU’s strategic worldview.
