Serbia risks losing €1.5 billion in EU funding due to its growing ties with Moscow — Politico
Serbia could lose up to €1.5 billion in EU funding due to democratic shortcomings and close ties with Moscow.
This is reported by Politico.
The European Commission is concerned about the situation in the country, particularly laws that could undermine the independence of the judiciary, pressure on protests, and interference in the work of independent media.
Another key factor is the Serbian government’s unwillingness to coordinate foreign policy with the EU and anti-European statements by top officials.
Brussels is already reviewing whether Serbia meets the conditions for receiving financial assistance as a candidate country.
According to sources, the final decision may depend on the Venice Commission’s conclusions regarding controversial judicial reforms, which are expected in late April.
The EU remains Serbia’s largest donor: between 2021 and 2024, the country received over €586 million in grants and has access to an additional €1.5 billion, provided reforms are implemented.
Serbia’s Military-Security Agency officially stated that there is no evidence of Ukraine’s involvement in planning an explosion on the strategic gas pipeline leading to Hungary.
Serbia stated that the pipeline was to be blown up by a migrant using explosives from the U.S.
