Callas Urged Serbia To Make A "strategic Choice" Between East And West

• 22.05.2025, 18:54

The head of European diplomacy made a visit to Belgrade.

Head of European diplomacy Kaja Kallas said during her visit to Belgrade that Serbia is facing a strategic choice of its geopolitical path.

She said this during her visit to Belgrade, AP.

The statement comes weeks after Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic took part in a May 9 parade in Moscow alongside Vladimir Putin, despite a warning from the EU. Brussels strongly condemned the act as undermining Serbia's European integration aspirations.

"Serbia faces a strategic, geostrategic choice about where it wants to be. Serbia's European future depends on the values it decides to stand for," said Kaja Kallas

She confirmed that she had discussed with Vucic his participation in the parade, saying, "I made my opinion very clear. I don't understand why one should stand next to a man who is waging a terrible war in Ukraine."

President Vucic explained that his participation in the parade was a manifestation of his traditional friendship with Russia, which he considers a Slavic and Orthodox ally. At the same time, he reiterated the aspiration to join the EU.

"It is clear from my conversations with the Serbian political leadership that EU membership remains a strategic goal. However, I want to emphasize that we need to see actions that confirm and reinforce these words," Callas said.

She noted that concrete actions are needed to make real progress towards EU membership - in particular reforms, media freedom, anti-corruption and electoral reform. She also met with protesters who are demanding democratic change.

Russia is Serbia's historic Orthodox ally and main supplier of natural gas, while Gazprom and Gazpromneft also own the Serbian oil company NIS. Moscow also supports Belgrade in its opposition to Kosovo's independence. But Serbia has consistently refused to join EU sanctions against Russia.