Brussels is ‘deeply concerned’ about Serbia’s gap with the EU in foreign policy

The European Union (EU) will express “deep concern” at its December ministerial meeting about Serbia’s lagging behind in alignment with European foreign policy.

“The (EU) Council deeply regrets Serbia’s backsliding in compliance with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, in particular its non-compliance with EU sanctions against Russia and Belarus, as well as its foreign policy actions which are contrary to the EU’s common approach,” reads the draft conclusions to be adopted at the General Affairs Council meeting.

The Council will also take into account Serbia’s support for UN General Assembly resolutions adopted in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine, as well as other important steps.

Radio Free Europe (RSE) has access to the draft conclusions to be adopted by the General Affairs Council at the level of EU ministers at its meeting on 13 December.

The December ministerial meeting is regularly dedicated to countries in the enlargement process. The conclusions adopted by the ministers responsible for European affairs are then endorsed by EU heads of state and government at a summit held immediately after the ministerial meeting.

The next EU summit is scheduled for 15-16 December.

EU expectations

The conclusions will underline the Union’s “strong expectation” that Serbia will fulfil its obligations under the Negotiating Framework and, as a priority, strengthen its alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Position and restrictive measures.

According to the draft conclusions to be adopted on 13 December, EU ministers will welcome the fact that the new Serbian government has confirmed EU integration as its strategic objective. However, this document will require that this affirmation is demonstrated by concrete actions.

“Particularly in the context of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the Council expects Serbia to demonstrate its unequivocal commitment to the EU and to stand up for our common principles and values. The Council also calls on the Serbian authorities to communicate objectively and unequivocally about the EU and to actively engage in preventing and countering all forms of disinformation and foreign manipulation of information in all media channels,” the draft conclusions read./RSE/