Serbia admits one thing about its journey to join the EU, affirms to "stay out" of the wave of sanctions against Moscow

On August 31, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic admitted that it would be difficult for Belgrade to join the European Union (EU) by 2028.

President Vucic admits it will be difficult for Serbia to join the EU. (Source: Shutterstock)

2028 is the deadline set by several Western Balkan countries in hopes of joining the 27-member bloc.

Speaking at the Globsec Security Conference in Prague (Czech Republic), President Vucic emphasized that he does not believe that Serbia will become part of the EU in 2028.

According to him, the Western Balkan countries cannot become EU members before 2030.

* Also on August 31, Serbian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin announced that his country's signing of an agreement to purchase Rafale aircraft from France will not negatively impact Belgrade-Moscow relations.

Besides, the Russian leadership's reaction to this agreement confirms Moscow's respectful attitude towards the Balkan republic.

“The purchase of Rafale aircraft is based on military and practical reasons and will not have a negative impact on the relations between Serbia and Russia. Belgrade remains militarily neutral and will not participate in any form of sanctions against Moscow,” Mr. Vulin affirmed.

On August 29, during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Serbia, President Aleksandar Vucic announced an agreement to purchase 12 new French Rafale fighter jets worth 2.7 billion Euros.

The contract includes not only the aircraft but also the entire package of related services.

President Vucic hailed the deal as “significantly enhancing the response capabilities of the Serbian army”.

On the Russian side, President Putin's press secretary Dmitry Peskov commented that the decision to buy Rafale fighter jets was a free choice of "Serbian friends".

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/serbia-thua-nhan-mot-dieu-ve-hanh-trinh-gia-nhap-eu-khang-dinh-dung-ngoai-lan-song-trung-phat-chong-moscow-284623.html