Serbia is preparing to launch an agreement with the EAEU. The Russian Foreign Ministry rejected Western claims
On July 10, a free trade agreement between Serbia and the states of the Eurasian Economic Union - Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan - comes into force.
The European Union, as is well known, reacted sensitively to Belgrade's signing of this agreement —though the same was true of Serbia's increased cooperation with China. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova rejected the West's claims. According to her, by opposing cooperation between the Western Balkans and Russia and China, the EU is admitting to pursuing a neo-colonialist policy toward the region.
“This approach is a reflection of the neo-colonial ideology of the West, which seeks to subjugate the territories of the Balkan countries and their resources. You don’t have to look far for examples - you can take a closer look at what is happening in neighboring countries. It is also a complete inability to compete on equal terms. As soon as the West realizes that it is inferior in fair competition, it turns on the “sanctions button.”
Russia cooperates with Serbia on equal terms, strengthens the production potential, energy, and infrastructure of your country, creating the preconditions for development for the benefit of all citizens. We have never sought to act to the detriment of others and do not encourage anyone to do so. Chinese investments, as far as we can see, also contribute to the national economy of Serbia,” Zakharova said in an interview with the Kurir newspaper.
Earlier, President Aleksandar Vučić stated that Serbia does not intend to cancel the free trade agreement signed with the Eurasian Union , despite criticism from the West , which stated that the new agreement could contradict Belgrade's course towards European integration.