Serbia confirmed the support of Ukraine's territorial integrity and its desire to join the European Union, but now refuses to join anti -Russian sanctions. This was reported by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard with reference to the Minister of Affairs of Europe Nemania Starovych.
According to the Serbian government official, the main reason for this position is the lack of security guarantees from the EU, which should accompany the decision to impose sanctions. Starovych emphasized that Belgrade condemns Russia's invasion of Ukraine since the beginning of the conflict, but does not make sense in sanctions that, in his opinion, "will not affect Russia, but will cause significant damage to the Serbian economy."
"If we are criticized for not doing enough for Ukraine, then my answer is simple: let us let the Ukrainians speak for ourselves," he said.
The Minister made parallels to the COVID-19 pandemics, when Croatia, as a member of the EU, received 22 billion euros from the European Recovery Fund, while Serbia-only 165 million. This, according to Starovych, demonstrates real differences in supporting Member States and candidates.
At the same time, he stated that Serbia is ready to fully support EU sanctions against Russia in case of approaching actual membership in the Union. "We will join sanctions when we will come to the EU for a few months from the date of entry," Starovych said.
In addition, the minister expressed his gratitude to Ukraine for the impulse, which she gave the EU expansion process, and noted that the Western Balkans should take this chance.
"Now we, the Western Balkans, must become part of this impulse," he said.
