EU: Serbia to have implications for non-compliance with foreign policy

This response by the European Commission's chief spokesman, Eric Mamer, as Serbia did not back the declaration of 27 EU states concerning the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navajo. Through this statement, the EU blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for the death of the Kremlin critic.

Mamer said that for not compatible with foreign policy and security positions, Serbia, the candidate state for EU membership, will have consequences.

“Appropriation is part of the membership process. Clearly, the consequences in the event of incompatibility to EU positions, as this is a basic requirement that a country should adapt to these positions to become a member of the EU. And Serbia has indicated that EU membership is a strategic goal of”, he said.

Meanwhile, EU spokesman for foreign policy and security Peter Stano reiterated the call for all states to adjust to its policies and prove their commitment to European values.

The European Union wants to account for all candidate countries as reliable European partners for common principles, values, security and prosperity. The statement about Navajo was precisely about values and principles, as it involved an unexpected death of a political prisoner, as a result of the authorities' actions towards him”, Stano said.

“The EU and member states have reiterated in December the conclusions of the Council of General Affairs meeting their powerful expectations for Serbia to step up efforts to adapt overall to the EU's common positions in the field of foreign and security policy, and with restrictive measures, including those towards Russia and Belarus”, he added.

The EU's stance regarding incompatibility to the Navajo declaration was made public when the burial of the Kremlin critic, who died at the age of 47 in a Arctic prison, was serving a long sentence on charges of extremism.

After publishing the news that Serbia has not backed the EU statement, Serbian President Aleksandar Vuciq, the day before, said he was unaware of such a fact and would be surprised if the opposite happened. He said he doesn't view it as “large tragedy” as not supporting this statement.

In the past, Serbia has also faced constant calls to support the bloc's sanctions against Russia, as Moscow began its unprotested Ukraine firing in February 2022. / REL