Military exercises: Is Serbia abruptly changing its foreign policy, alone or under pressure from the EU?



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After the cancellation of participation in the Slavic Brotherhood 2020 military exercise, where the Serbian army was supposed to train with the Belarusian and Russian armies in Minsk, the question arose whether the Government of Belgrade made such a decision independently or under Pressure. While Brussels expects Serbia to act in accordance with the strategic objective, ie. A member of the EU, President Vučić spoke by phone with the Russian President.

Who ordered the withdrawal of friendly lines 24 hours before the start of the fraternal offensive?

“Serbia is under terrible and undeserved pressure from the EU,” Minister Aleksandar Vulin said.

The pro-regime media specified that explanation from the Defense Minister in a name and a state: Vladimir Bilchik and Germany commanded.

“It is natural to arouse interest among members of the European Parliament regarding information about the military exercise, given the difficult political situation in Belarus. Therefore, I can only celebrate Serbia’s decision not to participate in that military exercise. media speculate that one person can influence I consider the sovereign decisions of Serbia to be an absurd drama, which makes no sense in a country that is firmly committed to a European perspective, “Bilcik replied.

Belgrade is expected to act in accordance with its strategic objective, which is membership of the EU; This is how the EU Foreign Minister Josep Borrell responded to the question from MEPs: what measures will the European Commission take to limit Russia’s harmful influence in Serbia? Does the Commission believe? that Serbia belongs to the European Union.

“It is clear that, according to the negotiating framework, Serbia is expected to gradually harmonize its policy towards third countries with the EU policy. As you know, the EU declaration on Belarus was published recently and we welcome the accession of Serbia. to that statement. We can only insist on that. ” that Serbia has identified EU integration as its strategic priority and should align its actions with what it has promised, “said EC spokeswoman Ana Pisonero.

Former Serbian President and former Defense Minister Boris Tadic explains that the military exercise in Minsk was planned incorrectly, because it could be assumed that cooperation with Belarus could be a political problem.

“It seems extremely frivolous, it’s like canceling a meeting of ordinary people just minutes before that meeting, that’s exactly what it sounds like, and that fact attests to the implications of the Washington agreement and how much recklessness there was in its creation and how many more foreigners and security. consequence in the immediate future, “said Tadic.

Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin explained that not only was the Slavic brotherhood canceled: in the next six months, the Serbian army will not train with anyone, therefore not with the West, that is, NATO.

“NATO has a long-standing partnership with Serbia, which we appreciate. We have not planned specific events with Serbia in the coming months, but we remain committed to a partnership for stability and security in the region.” states in the alliance.

And while the question of sitting in two or more chairs opens up again: Putin and Vučić on the phone line. A spokesman for the Russian president, Dmitry Peskov, explained that the issue of “Slavic brotherhood in a breakdown” was not discussed, but it was touched upon: Moscow respects Belgrade’s decision to freeze military exercises and does not link it to Western pressure. . Willingly on the spot.



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