EU may suspend €1.5 billion in aid to Serbia over Russia ties

The European Commission is considering suspending payments to Serbia worth up to €1.5 billion amid concerns over democratic backsliding and the country’s close ties with Russia.

There is growing concern in Brussels about developments in Serbia, including laws affecting judicial independence, pressure on protesters, and alleged interference in media freedom, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said, Politico reports.

Serbia, an EU candidate country since 2014, receives substantial financial assistance to support reforms.

However, officials in Brussels are now assessing whether the country continues to meet conditions for further funding.

Calls within the EU to freeze disbursements are reportedly gaining momentum, with a potential role for an opinion from the Venice Commission on disputed judicial reforms.

Serbia’s ambassador to the EU, Danijel Apostolović, expressed confidence that funding would not be suspended, stressing that talks with the European Union are ongoing.

The EU remains Serbia’s largest donor, providing over €586 million in grants between 2021 and 2024, and more than €7 billion in total aid and investment since 2000.

Brussels has also emphasised that, as a candidate country, Serbia is expected to align its foreign policy more closely with EU positions amid its continued ties with Russia.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov