Serbia’s new government, led by Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, was voted into office with the backing of 152 lawmakers in the 250-member parliament. The government includes controversial figures such as former intelligence chief Aleksandar Vulin and Nenad Popović, both of whom have close ties to Russia and have faced sanctions from the United States. Despite Serbia’s proclaimed bid to join the European Union, the reinstatement of these pro-Russia officials reflects the country’s persistent close ties with Moscow. The vote followed a heated two-day debate, and President Aleksandar Vučić’s ruling nationalist conservative Serbian Progressive Party maintains a comfortable majority after a disputed election in December.
The new prime minister, Vučević, reiterated that Belgrade does not intend to impose sanctions on Russia and emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong friendship with Moscow. He also expressed a commitment to maintaining good relations with the United States, stating that Serbia’s integration into the EU remains a strategic goal. However, security analyst Filip Ejdus described the composition of the new government as a strategic move designed to appease both Western powers and Russia, as well as the domestic voter base. Ejdus suggested that the government’s makeup sends a message to the EU not to push Belgrade too hard on issues related to democracy, rule of law, or Kosovo, while also signaling a readiness to strengthen strategic ties with Russia.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on Aleksandar Vulin in July, accusing him of involvement in illegal arms shipments, drug trafficking, and misuse of public office. Vulin, who has recently received medals of honor from Russia including one from Russian President Vladimir Putin, has faced allegations of facilitating illegal arms shipments across Serbia’s borders and involvement in a drug trafficking ring. Similarly, Nenad Popović, a businessman and former government minister, has been accused by the U.S. Treasury of using his Russia-based businesses to enrich himself and gain close connections with Kremlin senior leaders. The inclusion of these disputed ministers in the new government has faced criticism from opposition lawmakers, who have raised concerns about their harmful behavior and its impact on the citizens of Serbia.
The U.S. sanctions against individuals and companies in the Balkans are aimed at countering attempts to undermine peace and stability in the region, as well as addressing Russia’s “malign” influence. The West, fearing Russian interference and potential unrest in the Balkans, has intensified efforts to bring the region closer into its fold. Serbia’s democracy record has been on the decline, with reports of election fraud triggering protests and clashes following the December election. Ejdus noted that while Vučić continues to signal a commitment to EU integration for economic reasons, the EU tolerates his authoritarian tendencies out of fear that instability in the region could be caused if Serbia were to pivot towards Russia and China. The complex geopolitical dynamics in the Balkans continue to shape Serbia’s political landscape and its relationships with major global powers.
