Strong ties to Russia: Eurodeputs View Serbia as Threat to EU

In the European Parliament, concern has been raised that Serbia's membership could undermine the security of the European Union itself, given Belgrade's strong ties with Moscow.

Swedish Eurodeput of the Conservators and Reformers group, Charlie Weimers, says Serbia is not presenting attitudes in its foreign policy with EU positions, which is also a condition for membership.

Wemers recalls the vote against the conviction of Russia's invasion of Crime and the Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic's statement in June of this year, which said any possible product of talks between Serbia and Kosovo should also be approved by Moscow. Vucic also refused any opportunity for Belgrade to accept membership in exchange for recognition of Kosovo.

In light of these positions and statements, the Swedish Eurodeput urges the Commission to reevaluate its stance on the impact Serbia's membership may have on the area of security.

However, the Commission thinks Serbia has a clear European path and membership has a strategic priority since gaining candidate status in 2012 and opening negotiations in 2014.

However, the Commission warns that Serbia's path towards full membership risks being undermined if it does not abide by the commitments stemming from this venture, including the approach and full compliance of positions in foreign policy with the European Union.

This calls for Serbia to be progressively closer to the common position of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security. The Commission thoroughly observes these issues and reports them every year before Parliament and Council”, says Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhely.

The commission also says it expects Serbia to continue dialogue with Kosovo, which in the end must have a mandatory legal agreement that will translate into normalisation of relations. (SI)<