EU Urges Serbia to Join Sanctions against Russia over Ukraine War

Serbia, a candidate member, was requested by the EU on Monday to join the sanctions against Russia and align its foreign policy with the EU.

EU foreign policy leader Josep Borrell told reporters following an EU foreign ministers meeting that, aside from the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the gathering focused on the EU procedures of the Western Balkan nations.

Borrell added that EU candidate countries should operate in accordance with the EU in foreign policy, citing the foreign ministers of Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro as examples.

Borrell urged Serbia to join the sanctions on Russia in response to its attack on Ukraine, emphasising that keeping close ties with Moscow is no longer compatible with the goal of forging a shared future with the EU.

Serbia has declined to participate in the Ukraine conflict sanctions against Russia, citing its long-standing political, cultural, and economic links with Russia.

Borrell also stresses the importance of starting EU accession talks with Albania and North Macedonia.

He denounced the Republika Srps' recent demolition of state institutions as incompatible with the European vision, reiterating the significance they lay on Bosnia and Herzegovina's unity.

He also promised that the EU would continue to support Ukraine, noting the EU's €2 billion in military aid and claiming that member nations have done far more.

Borrell added that the EU candidacy process for Ukraine is moving swiftly, adding that Georgia and Moldova's candidacy petitions were also reviewed quickly.