Speculation circulating on social media has been confirmed: during the EU Enlargement Forum held in Brussels earlier this week, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama allegedly referred to the Serbian representatives led by Parliamentary Speaker Ana Brnabić as the “Russian delegation.”
The confirmation came from Bojana Selaković, Coordinator of the National Convention, who shared details from behind the scenes of the event. Speaking on X, she described two notable moments from the Forum: the dramatic late entrance of the large Montenegrin delegation, led by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, and Rama’s pointed remark when the Serbian delegation returned to the hall in the afternoon.
“At the moment when Edi Rama was speaking, the Serbian delegation led by President of the Assembly Ana Brnabić re-entered the room. Upon seeing them, he asked everyone present to ‘welcome the entry of the Russian delegation,’” Selaković wrote, according to Nova.rs.
Context: EU’s Growing Concerns Over Serbia’s Ties to Russia
The European Union has repeatedly warned Serbia that its close relationship with Moscow poses a significant obstacle to its European integration. In recent months, Brussels has intensified its criticism of Belgrade’s foreign policy alignment with the Kremlin.
Edi Rama, known for his unconventional public remarks and sharp humor, has often used political satire during regional and European meetings. Participants at the Brussels forum described his comment as an anecdote that nevertheless carried a clear political message.
A Message to Belgrade from Countries on the Same EU Path
Observers noted that such remarks reflect what other EU-aspiring countries in the region think about Serbia’s foreign policy stance. With Albania, Montenegro, and Moldova earning praise this year for substantial progress, the Forum made it clear that Serbia is increasingly expected to choose a definitive direction.
During the event, Bojana Selaković participated in a panel amplifying citizens’ voices from EU candidate countries. She urged Brussels not to give up on Serbian citizens.
“Don’t believe claims that there is no support for the European Union in Serbia. There is but it’s tired, frightened, disappointed, and fragmented,” she said.
While in Brussels, Selaković met with EU Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, emphasizing that meaningful democratic reforms media freedom, rule of law, anti-corruption efforts, and protection of cultural heritage cannot progress without substantial EU support. She also urged the Commission to respond more strongly to violations of academic freedom and threats to cultural heritage, citing concerns over the General Staff building in Belgrade.
Clear Messages From the First EU Enlargement Forum
The inaugural Enlargement Forum brought together officials from the European Commission, EU member states, and candidate countries. The overarching message was encouraging: the next EU enlargement cycle is not only expected but gaining momentum.
Montenegro, Albania, and Moldova were highlighted as examples of rapid advancement, while Serbia was reminded that the window of opportunity remains open though not indefinitely. The country must decide soon whether it intends to join its neighbors on the path toward full European integration.
