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Serbia's EU Aspirations Hindered by Sanctions Standoff and Protests

10/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Serbia must align with EU sanctions against Russia to progress toward EU membership during her visit to Belgrade.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic maintained Serbia's neutrality, refusing to impose sanctions despite EU and U.S. pressure, which included sanctions on Serbia's Russian-owned oil company, NIS.
Ongoing anti-government protests in Serbia, triggered by a tragic infrastructure failure, complicate the country's efforts to join the EU.

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Story summary

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Serbia must align with EU sanctions against Russia to progress toward EU membership during her visit to Belgrade.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic maintained Serbia's neutrality, refusing to impose sanctions despite EU and U.S. pressure, which included sanctions on Serbia's Russian-owned oil company, NIS.
Ongoing anti-government protests in Serbia, triggered by a tragic infrastructure failure, complicate the country's efforts to join the EU.