The Grip of Russia on Serbia: An Analysis.

Europe: Serbia under the grip of Russia

Serbia has for a long time been seen as the only pro-Russian country in the Western Balkans. While it has officially been vying for EU membership since 2011, Serbia has often put its political and economic interests reciprocally comparable to both Moscow and Brussels. This balancing act is now tipping more towards Moscow, and Serbia seems to be gradually falling under Russia‘s influence.

Analysis

The assertion that Serbia is under the grip of Russia is not without foundation. Political alliances with Russia have been built, including regular visits by Russian officials to the capital city of Belgrade, and deals on energy supplies. Serbia‘s devotion to the pan-Slavic concept, of which Russia is also devoted to, has motivated the country to build upon its cultural and traditional bonds with Moscow instead of relying solely on the promises of Brussels.

The recent case regarding Sergei Skripal, a former Russian double agent who was poisoned in the UK, saw a notable ally of Serbia, Russia, being accused of the attack. However, Serbia refused to support the claims made by the UK and its allies and did not expel any Russian diplomats from its land. It’s evident that Serbia is prioritizing its partnership with Russia over its obligations towards international solidarity.

International Relations and Politics

The matter of Serbia‘s affiliation with Moscow has both political and economic implications. Serbia has strong economic ties with Russia, especially in the area of energy. The Belgrade-Budapest railway line project, which is essentially Russia‘s pipeline insertion into Central Europe, exemplifies Russia‘s eagerness to diminish Serbia‘s dependence on the West. This railway line project will give Russia more influence over sectors of the Serbian economy, while also cutting into possible EU membership plans for Serbia.

In the world of politics, Serbia‘s dalliance with Russia will rankle the West and trigger more tensions. Serbia contributes to NATO’s Partnership for Peace program and is actively spending on modernizing its military equipment. However, Serbia risks winning disgruntlement and possible repercussions from Western countries if it proceeds with enhancing its ties with Russia, especially with regards to its European Union membership. Moscow appears to be leading Serbia away from its integration with the rest of the European community into its orbit.

Editorial and Advice

Serbia must choose its destiny carefully. It cannot have its foot in both of the proverbial doors and simultaneously uphold the best interests of its citizens. The authorities in Belgrade should comprehend the risks involved in leaning too much towards Moscow and attempt to balance its alignment. It would be prudent to prioritize its objectives of participating in EU membership talks, unification with Western countries, and uphold the traditions and cultures that tie it to Russia.

The West, on the other hand, should emphasize the strategic importance of Serbia and take an active role in dissuading it from moving closer to Russia. It’s tempting to overlook Serbia‘s proclivities towards Moscow and concentrate on engagement with other Western Balkan countries, but such a move would risk entirely losing Serbia. Dialogue and active involvement are essential to prevent any unnecessary tension from escalating further.

In Conclusion

Serbia‘s inclination towards Moscow is a delicate balance with far-reaching consequences. Serbia‘s leadership should consider this fact, make informed decisions for its people, and steer the country towards a more balanced alignment between Moscow and Brussels. The West should, in turn, prioritize their relationship with Serbia, avoid isolationist tendencies and actively engage with Belgrade to dissuade it from further leaning towards Moscow.