Serbia intends to remain on its European integration path while maintaining pragmatic energy ties with Russia, President Aleksandar Vučić said, describing a dual approach that balances Brussels’ expectations with domestic energy needs.
President Vučić explained that Serbia is broadening its energy options beyond Russia and has entered talks to purchase natural gas through the EU’s joint procurement mechanism. The plan is to secure around 500 million cubic meters annually, roughly one fifth of Serbia’s total demand, via the EU platform. At the same time, Serbia will continue importing substantial volumes of Russian gas while adjusting its energy policy to evolving EU rules.
Beyond the joint procurement plan, Serbia has already begun buying gas from Azerbaijan via Bulgaria. Vučić added that construction of a gas pipeline to North Macedonia, scheduled to start this year, would open an additional route, enabling supplies from Greece and further diversifying imports.
His comments come as the European Union moves forward with a legally binding, phased ban on Russian gas imports. EU member states adopted the regulation at the end of January, establishing a full ban on Russian LNG by the end of 2026 and on pipeline gas from autumn 2027. Despite this, countries outside the EU, including Serbia, as well as EU members Hungary and Slovakia, continue to rely heavily on Russian supplies.
