Milivojevic: Brussels' strategic interest is to have Serbia on the European path

At an informal meeting of European Union leaders with representatives from the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova, it was concluded that there is a need to solidify the EU's vision enriched with the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova. Former diplomat Zoran Milivojevic believes that Brussels' strategic interest is to have Serbia on the European path.

"The declaration also provided support to Ukraine, but at the insistence of President Vucic, the point calling for sanctions against Russia was omitted. This was done without significant issues, without great pressures, which demonstrates the European Union's interest in not antagonizing its relations with Serbia", former diplomat Zoran Milivojevic said.

During his two-day stay in Athens, the President of Serbia had discussions with Balkan leaders and European Union leaders, focusing on Serbia's position toward Ukraine, its position toward Russia, and the announcement of new financial assistance from the Union to the region.

President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, used the opportunity in Athens to reaffirm the policy of enlargement on the 20th anniversary of the Thessaloniki Summit. They emphasized that the Western Balkans, Ukraine, and Moldova have a place in the European Union and that it is in Brussels' interest, according to Zoran Milivojevic in an interview with RTS.

As he stressed, what was happening now is reminiscent of the situation 20 years ago, with the difference that Serbia has progressed as a candidate, having opened some chapters.

"In essence, this is the legacy of this EU team for the future team after the spring elections. It is the confirmation of the European Union's position and the significance of the enlargement policy for the future. In that sense, this declaration holds importance. Furthermore, this is certainly a boost, particularly for Ukraine and Moldova, which might receive dates for the start of negotiations at the end of the year. It also marks the return of the European Union to its Eastern policy," Milivojevic said.

For the first time since the start of the war, a meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Aleksandar Vucic took place. Both leaders assessed the meeting as open and candid.

"This confirms our principled position regarding the war in Ukraine and our relationship with Ukraine. It confirms that we are dealing with two friendly countries. Furthermore, it reaffirms the principles through which we view the war in Ukraine, considering our position on respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity. What is important for us is to have confirmation from the Ukrainian side that they won't change their position," Milivojevic noted.

The declaration did not name those responsible for war crimes in Ukraine, and the point regarding sanctions against Russia was omitted. Some media outlets in Serbia reported that it had actually been a condition set by Serbia.

Milivojevic stated that the remainder of the declaration concerning the war in Ukraine did not bother Serbia, as Belgrade advocates for peace anyway.

"Our side insisted that certain aspects inconsistent with our national and state interests, as well as our policies, should not appear in the declaration. This is what President Vucic talked about. I believe this is a very important fact. It was done without significant issues or substantial pressures, which shows the European Union's interest in not antagonizing its relations with Serbia in this phase and in connection with these delicate issues. I believe this can be counted as a success for the Serbian delegation in Athens and as confirmation that Serbia remains committed to its principles and its foreign policy orientation," Milivojevic said.

When asked about how much the EU will tolerate Serbia's opposition to sanctions against Russia, Milivojevic mentioned that it was in Brussels' strategic interest to have Serbia on the European path.

"I believe that it is now the primary interest of the European Union. There will be pressure on this matter, but not in a way that implies 'take it or leave it.' The European Union will not disown Serbia when it comes to Serbia's European path. It is in their interest because this region, to a greater or lesser extent, depends on Serbia," Zoran Milivojevic said.