Serbia's Brnabić Criticizes EU Enlargement Approach

Ana Brnabić, president of Serbia's National Assembly and former prime minister, has criticized the EU's approach to enlargement, saying the rules have changed since Serbia began accession talks in 2014. Brnabić made the comments at the GLOBSEC security conference in Prague. She argued that the EU is applying double standards, particularly in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Enlargement Process

Serbia gained official candidate status for EU entry in 2012 and opened talks on areas of alignment with the bloc in 2014. However, the country's negotiations have stalled, with no new clusters opened in the EU integration process since December 2021. Brnabić attributed this to Serbia not being fully aligned with the EU's Foreign and Security Policy.

Comparison with Other Countries

Brnabić noted that other Western Balkan countries, such as Albania and Montenegro, have made progress in their EU accession talks. She felt that the EU is applying a different standard to Serbia, citing the example of protests in Albania where tear gas and water cannons were used against protesters, but the EU did not criticize the country's actions.

Key points

• Ana Brnabić, president of Serbia's National Assembly, criticized the EU's approach to enlargement.
• Serbia began EU accession talks in 2014, but negotiations have stalled since December 2021.
• The EU is poised to slash up to €1.5 billion in pre-accession funds to Serbia over democratic backsliding concerns.
• Brnabić feels the EU is applying double standards, particularly in the context of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• Other Western Balkan countries, such as Albania and Montenegro, have made progress in their EU accession talks.