Requests for strengthening the independence of Kosovo, pressures on Belgrade to impose sanctions on Russia and attempts to weaken Republika Srpska will be the biggest political challenges of Serbia in 2015.
Serbian formula "Both the EU and Russia", by which Belgrade answered to the Ukrainian crisis, so far, has proved as a very good policy, but, according to analysts, it is unlikely that Serbia will be able to keep this position forever. One of the reasons for this opinion is that these days Brussels announced a new, third round of sanctions against Moscow. This means that the Ukrainian crisis enters a new phase, in which the dispute between Russia on one side and Brussels and Washington on the other will be more severe than so far.
“Serbia reaffirmed its independence and sovereignty in decision-making by implementing its serious and responsible policy, and our job is to persevere, because that is the best for our citizens. Therefore, we will not change our position towards Russia and I am confident that it will not jeopardize our European road,” said Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic, who in recent months was exposed to the pressures of some Western countries to join the sanctions against the Kremlin.
Whether our country can truly stand aside in the vortex of a new Cold War?
If Serbia would impose sanctions against Russia, it would “shot itself in the foot.” Such a decision could bring only "suicidal politician" because Serbia wouldn’t have any benefits from it, but only huge damage, says in an interview Aleksandar Chepurin, Russian Ambassador to Serbia.
Tomislav Nikolić says he wishes to see an end to hostilities in Ukraine, "not only because of Serbia's specific position - but for the sake of people there."
"If they reach an agreement, it will be for the good of the people. If not, then it will be bad for the people, people in eastern Ukraine will suffer, it's obvious. I had a chance how people suffer on the example of the former Yugoslavia and what it's like when big (powers) get involved and start deciding alone on someone's fate."
From 1 January, when Serbia starts presiding over the OSCE, a hot chair will await our representatives, unless the tensions about reheated cold war calm down. Assigning the role of first among equals in this society is considered a confirmation of the reputation and represents the signal that we are reliable, but the timing for presiding brings with it significant challenges for Belgrade, in the midst of conflict of EU and America on one side and Russia on the other.