The European Commission, in its new report, sharply criticized Belgrade for deepening ties with Moscow and called for an end to the practice of issuing Serbian passports to Russian citizens, Bloomberg reports, citing the document.
Source: Bukvy
Brussels emphasized that Serbia’s visa policy remains only partially aligned with EU standards. Granting Serbian citizenship to Russians, the report notes, effectively allows them visa-free access to the European Union, creating serious risks for security and migration control.
The European Commission urged Belgrade to fully harmonize its visa policy with European standards and to ensure strict control over visa-free entry for citizens of third countries, particularly those that may pose security threats or contribute to illegal migration.
The report also states that Serbia has refused to join EU sanctions against Russia, while President Aleksandar Vučić continues to maintain visible contacts with the Kremlin — including participating in the May 9 parade in Moscow and holding talks with Vladimir Putin.
Despite partial support for some EU Council statements, Belgrade, according to the European Commission, continues to maintain a high level of political contact with Moscow and uses rhetoric containing elements of anti-Western propaganda, contradicting its declared course toward European integration.