In recent years, the Serbian policy has been characterized by sharp polarization. While the political leadership adheres to prioritizing relations with Brussels, the majority of citizens and voters, and the opposition, are skeptical towards the EU, instead looking to Russia, and considers Kosovo as Serbian territory that is occupied by NATO. The leader of the Democratic Party of Serbia, Sanda Raskovic-Ivic, said recently: "We want to get Russian support in conducting a referendum in Serbia on the refusal of entry into the EU, and for the return of Kosovo."
The last obstacle to the start of the final phase of talks for Serbia, was Germany. Recently, the head of the Committee for European Affairs of the Bundestag, Gunther Krichbaum, officially confirmed that Serbia was invited. This is attributed to the normalization of relations with Kosovo (Belgrade and Pristina signed an agreement in Brussels on the 25th of August) and Bosnia. Chapters 35 of the negotiation dossier is dedicated to the relations of Belgrade with Kosovo. Previously, Serbian authorities had said they did not recognize the Stabilization and Association agreement of the EU and Kosovo. However, some European countries have a significant impact on the economy of Serbia. This means that in the background of a complex political process, there is a need for a balance of interests.
Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić assured that the country will maintain good relations with Russia. However, the introduction of new sanctions of Moscow against Kiev after the signing of agreements between Ukraine and EU, as well as measures against Turkey, show that Russia does not intend to make concessions in matters of geopolitical bargaining. Belgrade has received clear messages from Moscow of what can result from a pro-European course. In addition, in Moscow there is a belief that Serbia will be under pressure from the EU to join sanctions against Russia.
