Serbia’s careful diplomacy tested after Moscow remark in Brussels

08:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Serbia’s careful diplomacy tested after Moscow remark in Brussels

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s recent meeting in Brussels took an unexpected turn when a hot microphone caught him mentioning he had just received “a message from Moscow” during a brief exchange with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The moment, recorded by Euronews cameras, quickly drew attention to Belgrade’s delicate political balance between maintaining strong ties with both the European Union and Russia.

European pressure for alignment

The meeting was held as EU leaders continued to press Serbia to advance long-delayed reforms in governance, democratic standards, and media freedom—key conditions for progress in its membership bid. Von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa reportedly urged Vučić to increase Serbia’s alignment with EU foreign and security policies, which currently stands at only 61 percent. Other Western Balkan candidates, by contrast, have reached full alignment with Brussels.

Serbia’s position has become increasingly complicated since energy supplies were disrupted by sanctions targeting the Russian-owned company NIS, which provides most of Serbia’s oil and fuel. Vučić told reporters afterward that discussions in Brussels focused on alternative import routes through Romania, Bulgaria, and neighboring states to secure long-term energy stability.

The Moscow connection

The timing of Vučić’s remark about Moscow coincided with a major international meeting led by France and the United Kingdom, devoted to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Global leaders continue to debate possible frameworks for a peace agreement, though discussions remain highly contentious.

Serbia, meanwhile, remains one of the few European nations that has not joined sanctions against Russia, despite its status as an EU candidate. Vučić has repeatedly emphasized his intent to keep open communication with Moscow, most recently meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing, where he thanked Russia for continued energy cooperation and reaffirmed Belgrade’s refusal to impose sanctions.

For regional observers, the incident highlighted Serbia’s tightrope walk between East and West, a strategic balancing act that could define not only its EU future but also its role in Europe’s shifting geopolitical landscape.