Serbia's aspirations for European Union membership are increasingly being questioned as the EU itself grapples with a profound crisis, according to the Serbian Minister of Family and Demography, Milica Đurđević-Stamenkovski. In an interview with TASS on April 16, 2025, she articulated her concerns regarding the current trajectory of EU policies, suggesting that they are in dire need of reevaluation.
Đurđević-Stamenkovski stated, “I believe that the current EU policy is in a deep crisis and faces serious challenges.” She emphasized that unless Brussels reassesses its political stances and outlines a clear future approach for countries like Serbia, the prospect of further EU enlargement becomes highly questionable. She warned that if the EU continues with its double standards, protectionism, and neglect of national interests, the justification for expanding the European community will diminish.
Reflecting on Serbia's journey toward European integration, the minister noted that the allure of EU membership was significantly stronger when the process began. “The EU's constant insistence on sanctions and confrontation with Russia, its avoidance of rational solutions regarding the conflict in Ukraine, and its unwillingness to recognize the serious deficit of democratic legitimacy in its own institutions – all this has seriously undermined the authority and attractiveness of the European project,” she explained.
Đurđević-Stamenkovski expressed skepticism about the EU's genuine interest in expanding its membership in the foreseeable future. “It is obvious that a reorganization and redistribution of spheres of influence is taking place, which will inevitably lead to a revision of existing practices and mechanisms within the EU itself,” she added.
The minister's comments come in the wake of controversial statements made by European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Đurđević-Stamenkovski criticized Kos's ultimatum-like remarks, which she interpreted as an attempt to pressure Serbia into forming a government that aligns with EU expectations. Kos had previously stated that Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin should not be included in the new government due to his close ties with Russia.
“This is an unacceptable attempt at pressure and blackmail,” Đurđević-Stamenkovski asserted, reinforcing the notion that the formation of a government is a sovereign right of any state. She referenced the UN Charter, which upholds the principle that external entities should not interfere in the internal affairs of nations. “The right to form an executive branch is one of the basic democratic principles enshrined in the UN Charter, which strictly prohibits any interference in the internal affairs of states,” she stated.
In a related development, the EU has initiated procedures to sanction Vulin following his remarks in the European Parliament (EP), where he made several statements regarding Serbia's relationship with Brussels and Moscow. The EP has urged Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic to exclude Vulin from the new government.
During his speech in the EP, Vulin declared that Serbia would “never go to war with Russia in the name of EU membership.” He pointed out that Serbia has complied with every demand from the EU over the past two decades. However, he expressed frustration that Ukraine and Moldova, which have not fulfilled any conditions for membership, are now being positioned as future full-fledged EU members.
“We have fulfilled every wish and request of the EU for 20 years, but then Belgrade was told that the next full-fledged EU members who have not fulfilled a single condition will be Ukraine and Moldova,” Vulin remarked. His comments reflect a growing discontent with the perceived inequities in the EU's approach to membership and the treatment of candidate countries.
Vulin also addressed the issue of potential sanctions against Russia, asserting that Serbia would not yield to such pressures. “Serbia will not succumb to this for the sake of a conflict that could have been avoided if the West had simply respected the Minsk agreements,” he stated. This sentiment underscores a broader reluctance within Serbia to align its foreign policy strictly with EU directives, particularly regarding relations with Russia.
Moreover, Vulin alleged that there is a coordinated effort by Brussels, supported by Western intelligence agencies, to destabilize the current Serbian government led by Vucic. He claimed, “Brussels conceived a project to overthrow Vucic with the active support of Western intelligence agencies.” Such statements highlight the tension between Serbia and the EU, as well as the complex geopolitical landscape in which these discussions are taking place.
As Serbia navigates its path toward EU membership, the statements from both Đurđević-Stamenkovski and Vulin reflect a growing skepticism about the EU's commitment to enlargement and its handling of candidate countries. The ongoing crisis within the EU, coupled with the geopolitical shifts in the region, raises critical questions about the future of Serbia's European aspirations.
In conclusion, the dialogue surrounding Serbia's EU accession is fraught with challenges and uncertainties. The Serbian government is calling for a reassessment of EU policies, particularly regarding its approach to candidate countries and its geopolitical strategies. As the situation evolves, the implications for Serbia and its aspirations for EU membership remain to be seen.
