After Serbia’s armament from China, Germany states: Approximate policies with the EU

On April 12, Germany stated that it had seen reports that Serbia has received Russian anti-aircraft missiles, warning that the Balkan country has to align its foreign policy with that of the European Union if it wants to become a member of the union.

The media have reported that transportation planes of the Chinese military have transported last week to Belgrade the FK-3 surface-to-air defence system, which is similar to the Russian S-300 system, or the American Patriot system.

Authorities in Serbia have not yet confirmed that they have accepted delivery with these systems.

Belgrade paid for the FK-3 missiles and the Chinese CH-92A combat drones in 2019 – making Serbia the first operator of these Chinese weapons in Europe.

“As a matter of principle, the Federal Government’s expectation for all candidates aspiring to join the EU is that they join the EU’s common foreign and security policy and thus move closer to EU”, said the Press Office of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Speaking at the weekend during military exercises, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, acknowledged that he plans to present his army’s “new pride” this week, but gave no further details. Serbia is balancing its European aspirations and partnership with NATO, as it has centuries-old religious, ethnic and political ties to Russia.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday (April 11th) reiterated calls for Serbia to join the EU, the United States and other countries in imposing sanctions on Russia over its occupation of Ukraine.

Belgrade has voted against Russia three times at the United Nations, but has not imposed sanctions on Moscow.

“If you want to become the EU member that Serbia wants, it is essential that at such moments you join the EU foreign policy and the sanctions involved in that policy,” Baerbrock said.

The army that mainly has equipment of Soviet times and Russia is one of the largest suppliers.  Belgrade also depends on gas and oil supplies from Russia. The West has expressed fears that arms purchases from China and Russia could contribute to the growing influence of these countries in the Western Balkans region.