Milivojevic: If Serbia receives support from the region, the path to a non-permanent member of the Security Council is open for it

Retired diplomat Zoran Milivojevic believes that if Serbia were to receive support from the region to become a non-permanent member of the Security Council, it would easily pass on the global stage without any issues, as he claims that outside the West, 80% of humanity, if not more, supports it.

He emphasizes that, first and foremost, regional consensus is needed, and Serbia has an advantage because it has never been a non-permanent member of the Security Council. The advantage, he says, could also be that Serbia is not a full member of NATO and is militarily neutral.

"Now, things in the region are different. You have Hungary, a NATO member, supporting Serbia, which means an additional vote for us from within the Western bloc and one less vote for the competition. Support is always an open matter, and the question is, for example, how Greece or another country like Slovakia, which is in completely different circumstances with a different type of policy, would behave. Also, the question is what the balance of power will be after the elections for the European Parliament and the EU. Support from outside the region is also significant. It is possible that the French and Italians might speak in our favor compared to another candidate. Nothing is excluded. And finally, Russia's position, a permanent member of the Security Council, cannot be ignored. It doesn't matter whether it's in the majority or minority, but its voice is relevant. The question is also how Turkey would behave, with whom we have good relations. So, everything is in play, it is just important to start the action," Milivojevic states.

He adds that the Eastern European region is coming up on the agenda to fill a non-permanent seat in the Security Council in the even-numbered years, meaning 2026, and he believes there is enough time for lobbying.

According to him, a two-year non-permanent seat in the Security Council would significantly change Serbia's international position and its diplomatic and political capabilities to act globally in protecting its state and national interests.

"Since Kosovo and Metohija are a daily topic in the Security Council and will eventually be resolved there, because it cannot be resolved outside of Resolution 1244, whether it is repealed, whether another one is passed, or whether Serbia changes its stance. In any case, from the position in the Security Council, it is undoubtedly a far greater advantage for Serbia to act on that issue than it is now at this moment," Milivojevic emphasizes.

A non-permanent seat in the Security Council would, he adds, give Serbia the opportunity to directly renew relations with countries that understand its position, strengthen bilateral relations with a range of countries, and allow maneuverability in global issues and relationships, all in the service of its state and national interests.

"In our fight over the genocide resolution, we see how important this is because it is a global action involving all 193 UN member countries. As a non-permanent member, you have the opportunity to discuss with all those countries and present your views, strengthening your position in that communication. Also, you are in a position to participate in international relations in the most active way possible because all key global issues go through the Security Council. We have seen what voting in the Security Council means, as seen in the rejection of a debate on the anniversary of the NATO aggression. Therefore, it is not the same whether you're outside or inside; at the very least, you can vote and act directly. This generally enhances your international-political and diplomatic capacity and strengthens your international position," Milivojevic says.