The European Union has sent serious remarks to Serbia, but also to other countries in the region which have not supported sanctions against Russia, saying that future decisions in the enlargement process will be conditioned by the attitude of these countries to sanctions against Russia and the statements of general to the war in Ukraine.

Serbia is the only country in the region that has not adapted to EU positions and has not imposed sanctions on Russia.

EU foreign policy chief Peter Stano told a news conference that “the EU, or more accurately the member states, will in the future decide on take into account the level of alignment with EU positions, declarations and solidarity demonstrated by these countries to uphold and promote the core values of the EU.

He said that Albania, Montenegro and Northern Macedonia have so far fully adapted to the EU’s foreign policy positions.

“We look forward to engaging with member states and partners in the region to explain to them how important it is in these circumstances when the world order based on laws and rules is at stake, to support the EU and to have “the same attitude with us about sanctions,” said Stano.

Apart from Serbia, Turkey as a candidate country has not supported sanctions against Russia. But membership negotiations with Turkey are still frozen, while those with Serbia are ongoing.

Serbia, according to diplomatic sources in Brussels, will now be under greater pressure to support sanctions against Russia. In Brussels, diplomatic sources say, there will be no more understanding of attitudes that go against the strategic orientation for EU membership. Due to the recent elections in Serbia, the EU was more restrained and reluctant to put more visible pressure on Belgrade. But frustration among some member states is growing.