The visit of Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin to Russia and his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin “contradicts Serbia’s aspirations for EU integration,” said EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy spokesperson Peter Stano on Thursday.
At a press conference in Brussels, Stano raised the question, “On whose behalf is Vulin speaking?” as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has reiterated that Serbia’s strategic goal is EU membership.
“We don’t know on whose behalf Vulin is speaking, as President Vučić has reiterated Serbia’s strategic goal of EU membership. This means that after Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, relations with Russia cannot continue or be strengthened as if nothing has happened. Therefore, we expect Serbia to refrain from strengthening relations with Russia. We also expect all members of the Serbian government to follow the goal of EU integration,” Stano emphasized.
He expressed concern over Vulin’s behavior, noting that he frequently visits Russia:
“We are concerned about Vulin’s actions because this is not the first time he has visited Russia. This goes against Serbia’s aspirations to integrate into the EU.”
Meanwhile, when asked whether Serbia’s behavior could affect payments from the EU’s Economic Growth Plan for the Balkans, the European Commission was less clear.
European Commission spokesperson for Enlargement, Ana Pisonero, said that progress in aligning the region’s countries with the EU’s foreign policy, including restrictive measures, should be part of the reform agendas of these countries, which are a prerequisite for payments from the growth plan.
“The Commission is analyzing the reform agendas submitted by the region’s countries. Before payments, we will also consult with member states. There are some conditions, general, specific, and conditions for payments. The reform agendas should include steps on how they will also progress in aligning with foreign policy,” she said.
During his meeting with the Russian president, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Vulin said that Serbia would never support EU sanctions against Russia.
