Russia offers nuclear energy to Serbia

While Europe is investing in energy independence and renewable sources, Serbia is sinking deeper into dependence on Moscow. The latest evidence of this are the statements by Marija Deurić, director of the representative office of the Russian state corporation “Rosatom” in Serbia, who confirmed that Belgrade and Moscow are “developing active negotiations” for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Serbia.

Deurić, in an interview for the newspaper “Politika,” stated that the Russian company is “happy about the cooperation” with Serbia and is ready to be a “strategic partner” in a project that would last at least 8 to 15 years. Such a project would link Serbia long-term to Russian technology, fuel, and logistics — at a time when the rest of Europe is moving away from dependence on the Kremlin.

The Serbian President, Aleksandar Vučić, after meeting with the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, and the director of “Rosatom,” Alexey Likhachev, in Beijing, reaffirmed his support for the project, presenting it as a “historic opportunity” for Serbia. However, behind the rhetoric of “technological progress” lies a strategic strengthening of Russian influence in the region.

While European countries are implementing strict safety and environmental standards, “Rosatom” offers a model with complete Russian oversight — from uranium exploitation and fuel enrichment, to waste processing. This would practically make Serbia dependent on Russian supplies and technology, stripping Belgrade of control over its own energy sovereignty.

During the meeting with Putin in early September in Beijing, Vučić also called on the company “Rosatom” to get involved in infrastructure projects in Serbia.

Vučić met with Putin in Beijing: “Strategic partnership mutually beneficial”

A few years ago, Serbia and the Russian state corporation “Rosatom” signed an agreement for the construction of a Center for Nuclear Technology as well as an agreement for the establishment of a joint venture that will implement this project on the territory of Serbia.

What is being built in Serbia: an innovative center or a nuclear power plant?

In January 2025, the United States of America imposed sanctions against the leaders of “Rosatom,” including Director-General Alexey Likhachev, as well as other members of the management board.

https://www.fdd.org/analysis/policy_briefs/2025/01/15/new-u-s-sanctions-on-leadership-of-russian-nuclear-corporation-are-positive-but-should-be-just-a-start/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

/TheGeopost/