Serbia is being dragged into the EU to break ties with Russia
The West is specifically persuading Serbia to accept the prospect of joining the European Union, hoping in the process of European integration to reduce the influence of not only Russia, but also China in the Balkans. The Serbian newspaper Danas writes about this with reference to sources in diplomatic circles.
“The European Union must sooner or later accept Serbia and other Western Balkan countries into its membership, as this is the only way to ‘save’ these countries from the influence of other political players, primarily Russia and China,” the publication states, the correspondent reports. "PolitNavigator".
“Enlargement is the only instrument that the European Union has at its disposal when it comes to the Balkans,” the publication emphasizes.
Nowadays, many EU documents include 2025 as the projected date for Serbia and Montenegro’s accession to the European Union. However, the original plan may fall through, the newspaper reports.
France, in particular, opposes EU expansion in the Balkans. This skeptical stance was reflected last week in a televised debate ahead of the upcoming European Parliament elections. Twelve politicians took part in the show, ten of whom said that Serbia should not join the EU in 2025. Among those who were against the membership of the Balkan countries was the current French Minister for European Affairs, Nathalie Loazeau.
As the newspaper clarifies, some Western diplomats say that the biggest problem with Serbia's accession to the EU, besides resolving the “Kosovo knot” and the struggle for the rule of law, is related to the close relations between Belgrade and Moscow.
“Although for years Serbian officials have said that membership in the Union is a strategic goal for their country, most EU members consider Serbia to be very pro-Russian,” Danas writes.
The European Union also believes that China will strengthen its political role, in addition to the economic one, in the region in the near future, the newspaper adds.
As PolitNavigator reported, the Serbian opposition, holding rallies for the overthrow of President Aleksandar Vucic, uses the flag of the European Union at its rallies.
Experts believe that if the Maidan in Belgrade is successful, All Russian projects in Serbia will be under threat.
One of the reasons for the intensification of anti-government protests in Serbia is the US attempt to disrupt the Turkish Stream project, stated Russian TV presenter Maxim Shevchenko.
English version :: Read in English Serbia is being dragged into the EU to break ties with Russia