Serbia’s stance and EU alignment discussed during Scholz visit
During a visit to Belgrade, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Serbian leaders about Serbia’s role in European Union sanctions on Russia. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić described Scholz as clear and firm in urging Belgrade to align with the EU measures already imposed on Moscow. The discussions touched on a range of pressing topics, including Kosovo and Metohija, energy security, and the broader dynamics of Serbia’s long-term relationship with Russia. Vučić reported that Scholz offered practical assistance in addressing the current crisis, emphasizing solidarity and practical pathways to stability. These remarks were conveyed during a joint press briefing after the talks, underscoring the EU’s expectations for member and candidate countries alike (attribution: Bietigheimer Zeitung).
Scholz responded by highlighting the EU’s overarching approach to non-member states, including Russia, and reminded Belgrade that accession candidates must consider these dynamics as they move forward. Serbia has held official candidate status since 2012, and Vučić reaffirmed Belgrade’s interest in European integration, while also noting that tangible progress in the near term remains uncertain due to a range of political and economic factors (attribution: Bietigheimer Zeitung).
Kosovo’s role and mutual recognition in EU prospects
Earlier in the day, Scholz met with Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti, stressing that sanctions against Russia demonstrated that Kosovo’s leadership is aligned with the international community’s position. He also pointed out that Serbia and Kosovo cannot realistically advance toward EU membership without mutual recognition between Belgrade and Pristina, a central prerequisite widely discussed among EU insiders. Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina continue to seek EU candidate status, with Kurti signaling plans to formally apply by the end of the year and seeking continued EU support (attribution: Bietigheimer Zeitung).
Balancing EU expectations and regional ties
When the Balkan leaders were scrutinized, the Serbian government’s balancing act between EU ambitions and friendly ties with Moscow drew particular attention. Vučić had initially hoped to host Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Belgrade, a plan jeopardized by airspace refusals from neighboring states. The resulting impression is that the EU’s expectations are growing clearer, urging Belgrade to demonstrate its commitment to shared values and common standards. European voices have stressed that close cooperation with the Putin regime is increasingly incompatible with a future aligned with the European project (attribution: Bietigheimer Zeitung).
After his talks with Vučić, Scholz reiterated a clear path toward European integration, underscoring that the journey to Europe depends on meeting the EU’s conditions and norms. The exchange underscored the broader theme: Belgrade must navigate a difficult political terrain where regional security, economic resilience, and alignment with Western institutions intersect with traditional partnerships.
Putin’s statements and Belgrade’s political calculus
The discussions between Vučić and Scholz also touched on past encounters, including a meeting in Germany earlier in the year, during which Putin’s remarks about Kosovo and Donbass were seen as complicating Belgrade’s diplomatic position. Vučić acknowledged that those comments added complexity to Serbia’s already delicate political calculus, forecasting economic challenges ahead. In related international remarks, the UN Secretary-General had pointed to ongoing tensions in the region, emphasizing support for Kosovo’s status while noting the broader implications for Russian actions and regional stability (attribution: Bietigheimer Zeitung).
Overall, the dialogue between Belgrade and Berlin highlighted a shared understanding: stability in the Western Balkans is intertwined with credible steps toward EU membership, clear stances on sanctions, and a commitment to regional reconciliation. The discussions signaled that Belgrade’s path toward Europe is being shaped by a combination of strategic choices, international expectations, and the evolving realities of regional diplomacy.