Serbia has declined to align with four new European Union foreign policy decisions concerning restrictive measures against Russia, cyberattacks, and serious human rights violations, while joining two other EU decisions related to Lebanon and Sudan.
According to a statement issued by the European Union, Serbia did not align itself with Council Decisions (CFSP) 2026/1707 and (CFSP) 2026/1709, adopted on July 13, which concern restrictive measures in response to Russia’s destabilizing actions and the situation within Russia.
Belgrade also chose not to support Council Decisions (CFSP) 2026/1713 and (CFSP) 2026/1723, also adopted on July 13, addressing restrictive measures against cyberattacks targeting the European Union and its member states, as well as sanctions related to serious human rights violations and abuses.
All other European Union candidate countries from the Western Balkans—North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina—aligned their national policies with these four decisions. The EU said it welcomes and takes note of their commitment to ensuring consistency with the bloc’s foreign policy.
At the same time, Serbia joined the rest of the Western Balkan candidate countries in supporting two additional EU foreign policy decisions.
The first, Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1767 of July 17, concerns restrictive measures related to the situation in Lebanon. The second, Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1705 of July 13, introduces restrictive measures targeting activities that undermine stability and the political transition in Sudan.
North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, and Bosnia and Herzegovina also aligned with these two decisions. The European Union stated that these countries will ensure their national policies comply with the decisions and welcomed their commitment.
Serbia has repeatedly declined to align with several EU sanctions packages related to Russia since becoming an EU candidate country, while continuing to selectively support other elements of the bloc’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
