Edward P. Joseph, lecturer at Johns Hopkins University and expert on the Western Balkans, stated that Serbia is at a “crossroads,” caught between US demands to remove Russians from Serbia’s oil company NIS and plans to give a complex to Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.
He said:
“The NIS issue is currently at the center of attention for decision-makers in Washington.”
Joseph participated in a Congressional hearing last week and emphasized that it is rare for the US Congress to focus on the Balkans given all other serious international crises. Members of the subcommittee for Europe, under the House Foreign Affairs Committee, focused specifically on the Balkans.
“I made it very clear that, as the US Embassy in Belgrade has said, Serbia is at a crossroads,” he stated in an interview with N1.
He explained that the US administration is determined that Russians leave NIS completely, irreversibly, and without any “tricks or games.”
“The administration seems very serious about this. I encouraged committee members to stay focused and move forward as quickly as possible on this issue, including the possibility of nationalizing NIS.”
Regarding potential sanctions and Serbia’s relations with Russia, Joseph said:
“Only Russia could impose costs on the Serbian people through retaliatory measures if Serbia nationalizes NIS. At the same time, the US, working with its EU partners, would likely do everything possible to assist in the event of nationalization and Russian retaliation.”
He noted that the ball is now in Belgrade’s court, as Russia simply wants to delay the issue and is unconcerned with the Serbian people.
Joseph highlighted that a solution is needed quickly, before the January 15 deadline.
He also compared Serbia with Hungary, noting that while Hungary received a one-year exemption for Russian oil and gas imports under Viktor Orbán, Serbia is being told it must remove Russians from ownership.
Joseph also discussed the issue of giving the General Staff building to Jared Kushner, noting that questions were raised in Congress about whether President Vučić could actually fulfill such commitments given strong domestic opposition.
“If Kushner does not proceed with this project, it will further demonstrate that President Vučić cannot fulfill his obligations.”
He concluded:
“This is a decisive moment. The focus is truly on NIS. If the Russians are removed, NIS is nationalized, and returned to Serbia, we will be in a new context—a new situation.”
