James Ker-Lindsay, director of the Centre for Southeast Europe of a London School of Economics says that Belgrade must take into account its relations with Moscow until a final solution for Kosovo and Metohija
In the West, it is often represented that the countries in the Western Balkans are more inclined to Russia, but we who follow Balkan region we know that this is not true, that the loyalty of the countries is much more on the side of the West. In some cases, we have seen that countries in the region clearly sided with the EU and the West, as it has done Montenegro, although there was a story that the economy in that country was controlled by the Russians. Many in the West impose the picture of how Serbia is hesitating between the West and Russia. On the contrary, the actions show that the Serbian government knows that the future of Serbia is with the West. Of course, there’s the issue of Kosovo, which means that Belgrade must take into account the relationship with Moscow.
To whom the Belgrade is inclined?
I think there is much evidence to suggest that Serbia clearly tilted towards the European Union. It is dangerous to simplify things, as many media in the West do when it comes to pro-Russian sympathies in Serbia. The picture is not black and white and it is obvious that there are a lot closer ties of the West with the Serbia than it is visible.
In the West, some media and organizations suggest that Serbia is a kind of Russian “Trojan horse” in the Balkans.
There are such suggestions. But I do not think that’s true. There is much support for Russia in the wider population, but the government knows that the future is with the EU. It all boils down to two things: Strong ties with Russia cannot stop because of public sympathy and, secondly, Serbia depends on the Russian veto in the Security Council until a final solution for Kosovo.
Do you think that EU will offer “more” to Serbia due to the possible stronger conflict with Russia?
Joining the EU is a technical process which is tantamount to the harmonization of the laws and system of principles that apply in the Union. Therefore, there can be no dilution of the conditions that apply in all countries. However, there is room at the political level. In the case of Serbia Chapter 35 and Kosovo are of the key importance. As I see it, it seems that no one knows how this problem could be solved.
