Serbian tango between the EU and Russia will again bear fruit

Russian energy giant Gazprom is rapidly preparing the foundations for a new one, A long -term contract for the supply of natural gas to Serbia. The green light for this step was lit at the highest level, confirmed by the Vice President of the Russian government in Moscow to the media Alexander Novak. As reported by a news agency Tass, Novak said: “This was also discussed at a meeting with Vucic, at the level of presidentsand the instructions were given. Gazprom is now dealing with this.  »

The initiative for a new contract is Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic expressed During his visit to Moscow 9 Maywhen he met with the Russian president Vladimir Putin. At the time, he stressed that the reliable supply of his country with Russian energy, especially with natural gas, was « of paramount importance for Belgrade », and expressed the hope that the supply would continue « under favorable conditions ». Such Conditions are crucial for Serbiaif it wants to maintain energy stability that is the basis for the competitiveness of its economy and social peace.

Director of the Public Company Serbiagas Dušan Bajatovic Meanwhile, he explained to the Serbian media that Belgrade is working to conclude a new contract that would provide Russian gas to Serbia for a period of ten years. Such a long -term commitment would bring to Serbia in the coming decade the necessary predictability and security of supply, which is invaluable in today’s uncertain times in the energy markets. According to Bajatovic, they are summarized by the agency TASSa new contract between Gazprom and Serbiagas could be confirmed by the end of May.

Belgrade insists on the Alliance with Moscow

While the pipes are filled with promises of Russian gas, louder calls for reconciliation are heard from Brussels. The European Union expects a countries with a candidate to be a country as a countries with a candidate’s status to straighten its foreign policy on Brussels notes. This also includes the painful issue of sanctions against Russia, which is a sensitive topic for Belgrade.

“We are fully surrounded by Member States of the European Union and are experiencing a number of pressure to introduce sanctions against Russia. We continue our strategic collaboration with the Russian Federation, with our dear friends, despite the pressure we are constantly experiencing, « said Drecun. Photo: Grigory Sysoyev/Reuters

That Serbia does not intend to turn his back to his traditional ally, was also heard from his mouth Milovan DrecunChairman of the Security National Assembly Security Committee. Agency TASS Drecun reports, which also leads the permanent delegation of the Serbian Parliament at the Assembly of the Collective Security contract (PSB)-a military-political association, which brings together several former Soviet republics led by Russia-emphasized this position at the Council of this Organization.

“We are fully surrounded by Member States of the European Union and are experiencing a number of pressure to introduce sanctions against Russia. We continue our strategic cooperation with the Russian Federation, with our dear friends, despite the pressure we are constantly experiencing, « Drecun said. His words reflect the traditional Serbian foreign policy stance, which tries to navigate the interests of the East and West, and Belgrade emphasizes close historical, cultural and religious ties with Russia.

In doing so, Drecun took the opportunity and thanked the members of the ODK for their unwavering support for Kosovo, or rather, about non -recognition of his independence. This support, especially Russia, which has the right to veto at the UN Security Council, is invaluable for Serbia. The support of Russia and other influential members of the ODKB, such as Kazakhstan, is crucial for Serbia in its efforts to preserve Kosovo within its borders or in finding an internationally acceptable solution.

Belgrade is working to conclude a new contract that would provide Russian gas to Serbia for as much as ten years. Photo: Djorddje Kojadinovic/Reuters

The meeting of the ODKB Council, at which Drecun presented Serbian views, is otherwise held in Biškek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. In 2025, this Central Asian State chair this regional security organization, in which Russia plays an undeniable role. The entire General Meeting of the ODC is chaired by the President of the Russian State Duma Vjačeslav Volodin.