Serbia's Accelerated EU Ambitions: A Balancing Act with Moscow

Serbia is committed to accelerating its European Union membership bid despite criticism over President Aleksandar Vucic's recent visit to Moscow. Vucic reaffirmed Belgrade's commitment to EU integration after meeting with European Council President Antonio Costa. Serbia aims to reform its governance and foreign policies to align with EU standards.

Serbia is determined to push forward with its European Union membership bid, according to President Aleksandar Vucic, even as his recent visit to Moscow has drawn criticism from the West. The president emphasized Belgrade's eagerness to accelerate European integration and open additional negotiation chapters with the EU.

After meeting with Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, Vucic acknowledged the EU's concerns following his Moscow trip. However, he expressed confidence that the EU would appreciate Serbia's progress-on-merit approach. Key reforms are needed in Serbia, including reducing corruption and aligning foreign policies with EU expectations, such as imposing sanctions on Russia.

Despite Serbia's historical ties with Russia, Vucic assured ongoing reforms in judiciary, media freedom, and electoral laws to meet EU criteria. European officials, including Costa, reiterated the importance of condemning Russia's actions in Ukraine. EU membership remains a priority for Serbia amid its regional counterparts like Montenegro and Albania.

(With inputs from agencies.)