Power splits: a scandal broke out in Serbia over the words about sanctions against the Russian Federation

A scandal broke out in Serbia over the words of the Minister for European Integration, Nemanja Starovic. He mentioned Belgrade's readiness to impose anti-Russian sanctions in order to join the EU. The Prime Minister, the President of Serbia, and subsequently Starovic himself hastened to assure Moscow that they were not going to introduce any restrictive measures. Experts interviewed by Izvestia are sure that the words of the Serbian politician are taken out of context. Nevertheless, the country itself does not rule out that in this way the authorities are checking whether the population will support the possible introduction of restrictive measures against the Russian Federation. Details can be found in the Izvestia article.

Yes and no

"Serbia will support EU sanctions against Russia only immediately before joining the EU, when the country will be able to gain access to European support mechanisms," said Nemanja Starovic, Minister for European Integration.

The politician stressed that Belgrade does not support the anti-Russian restrictive measures imposed by the European Union, because "it would not affect Russia at all, and the Serbian economy would suffer greatly."

According to him, a country that is not a member of the European Union does not have access to the security and support mechanisms that are available to the member states of the union. The minister compared what is happening with the support that Brussels provided during the pandemic, when Croatia received €22 billion from European funds, and Serbia received "almost nothing," or more precisely, 165 million.

Photo: Global Look Press/Philipp von Ditfurth

He added that Belgrade is ready to fully join the EU sanctions "as soon as membership in the union is a real prospect," that is, several months before the expected date of accession.

Starovich also emphasized that Belgrade "from the first day clearly and unequivocally" condemned the special military operation, and also supports Kiev's membership in the European Union.

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And I want to, and it pricks

A scandal broke out over the words of Nemanja Starovich. Many considered the minister's statement to be almost a Serbian signal to Brussels that in order for Belgrade to join the anti-Russian sanctions, it should be accepted into the European Union as soon as possible.

The "Movement of Socialists" of former Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Vulin attacked Starovich, noting that he considers the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions a betrayal. According to him, "Belgrade's refusal to impose sanctions against Russia is not due to the prospects of EU membership, but to the principled position of the Serbs, who are not a nation of traitors who are ready to sacrifice their roots, faith and history."

Two days later, Starovich nevertheless elaborated on what he had said. According to him, there are three reasons why Belgrade will not join the restrictions against Moscow. "Value—based, because we do not believe that sanctions are the right method in international politics. Economic — because the imposition of sanctions will cause serious damage to the Serbian economy. Political — because it would jeopardize relations with Russia, which are traditionally important and valuable to us," Starovich said in an interview with RIA Novosti.

Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Vinogradov

Nevertheless, Serbia has repeatedly discussed the possibility of joining anti-Russian sanctions. In 2023, the Minister of Economy Rada Basta discussed this. In his opinion, the country is "paying a huge price because of the non-imposition of sanctions against Russia, and this is becoming unbearable."

As the Balkan experts noted at the time, there is a definite possibility that the Serbian authorities are checking the reaction of society in this way.

It is also possible that these words are addressed to those citizens of the country who advocate the early European integration of Belgrade. In recent years, the negotiation process on Serbia's accession to the EU has been stalling, and the main candidates for membership in Brussels are neighbors Albania and Montenegro.

This time, Alexander Vucic traditionally assured that his country was not going to join restrictive measures against Moscow and was determined to pursue an independent foreign policy.

Photo: RIA Novosti

"Minister Starovich expressed himself carelessly. I am sorry that some of our friends in the Russian media are looking forward to a reason to rebuke Serbia <...> I must disappoint them all. Serbia will not impose sanctions against the Russian Federation," the Serbian leader stressed.

He also added that Serbia has not exported "a single cartridge" since the beginning of July, the country pursues a policy of an "independent and sovereign state", and its government will not allow "major players" to use the state for their own purposes.

In turn, Prime Minister Juro Matsut also promised that Serbia would not impose sanctions against Russia under the current government. In his opinion, Serbia's current task is to defend itself and strengthen the unity of the nation.

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What do the experts think

Milan Lazovich, program manager of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), noted in an interview with Izvestia that Belgrade is not ready and does not intend to impose anti-Russian sanctions.

— The day before, President Alexander Vucic made a new statement on this issue. He noted that Minister Starovich's words were taken out of context and misinterpreted by the media. The president again denied the possible imposition of sanctions by Serbia against Russia," the political scientist states.

In his opinion, Starovich's words were most likely aimed at making it clear to the European Union that Brussels does not offer any clear and specific programs for Serbia.

"This was probably a hint from the Serbian minister to Brussels officials: so far, Serbia's path to the EU is a path to nowhere, a foggy path," the expert concluded.

Oleg Bondarenko, the editor-in-chief of the Balkanist project, noted in a conversation with Izvestia that Alexander Vucic consistently repeats the same thesis that "Serbia will not impose sanctions against Russia."

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic

Photo: RIA Novosti/Sergey Bobylev

— He repeated it this time, it is important to understand. In fact, Nemanja Starovich's words were taken out of context. I personally know Mr. Starovich, he is a Russophile, a man who has always spoken from Moscow's position, from pro-Russian positions. So either he expressed himself incorrectly, or he was simply misunderstood or interpreted," the expert believes.

According to the analyst, Starovich said this in the context of the fact that Serbia will never become a member of the EU.

— And if Serbia became a member of the EU, it would need to impose sanctions against Russia. As far as I understood and as far as I know him, that was the meaning of his speech. So these are just words taken out of context that spread and caused such a scandal, and in order to put it out, both the Prime Minister and the president of Serbia said that Belgrade would not impose anti-Russian sanctions," the political scientist explained.