Sooner or later the EU must accept Serbia and other Western Balkans states as its members, since it is the only way to “preserve” these countries from the influence of other stakeholders, foremost Russia and China, diplomatic sources unofficially told Belgrade-based daily Danas.

They noted “the enlargement is the only tool at the Union’s disposal when it comes to the Balkans,” although it remains completely uncertain if 2025 would be a year of Serbia’s and Montenegro’s accession to the EU.

Commenting on the continuation of the enlargement process, the diplomats noted “it is difficult to predict anything at this moment.” As an illustration they mentioned the stance of many French politicians, headed by the President Emanuel Macron, who have a rule “internal consolidation of the Union before new enlargement.”

How strong the opposition of France to the accession of new members is, one could see in a last-week TV debate of candidates for forthcoming European Parliament elections, when out of 12 present politicians, only 2 were in favor of Serbia joining the block in 2025.

Speaking about Serbia’s EU path, some diplomats said the biggest problems, in addition to untying the Kosovo knot, and establishing the rule of law, relate to the “close links” Serbia has with Russia. “Although Serbian officials are saying for years the EU membership is Serbia’s strategic goal, the majority of EU member states perceive Serbia as strongly affiliated to Russia,” sources told Danas.

Commenting on the influence of China in the region, diplomatic sources are widely speculating, that in addition to the economic leverages of power, Beijing would certainly attempt to strengthen political power as well.

“For the time being when it comes to the Balkans, it looks like China finds it important to be present to the greatest extent possible in an economic sphere, but any serious state would wish to strengthen a political influence as well in an area it deems significant,” sources further explained.