The representative of the composition of the Government of Serbia and the leader of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) in power, Miloš Vučević, during his speech in the Assembly of Serbia, stated that Serbia still has the strategic goal of membership in the European Union.

But, he added that “the fact that the process is burdened by new political criteria cannot be ignored”.

Recently, the EU has officially conditioned the integration of Serbia on the normalization of relations with Kosovo.

Vučević said that the EU’s expectations are related to Serbia “humiliating” itself by recognizing the independence of Kosovo and joining the sanctions against Russia due to the occupation of Ukraine.

However, he emphasized that Serbia will not join the sanctions against Russia.

“There is no doubt that the pressures will continue, maybe they will intensify, but we are determined to stay in the same positions”, said Vučević.

“Serbia cannot and will not give up friendship with Russia, whose people we consider fraternal, as is the case with Ukrainians. We have clearly condemned Russia’s attack on Ukraine, but we have declared that we will not join the policy of sanctions”, said Vučević.