Serbs balance between Russia and the West
Most Serbs support the political and military neutrality of their country and are skeptical about European integration.
Political scientist Dragomir Andjelkovic stated this in a commentary for Tanjug.
He drew attention to the results of a recently conducted public opinion poll by the Demostat agency. The expert noted that the majority of citizens used to be for European integration, but today they are against it, and as for military neutrality, there are no changes, the percentage of support for it has only increased.
According to the political scientist, the Serbs see that Western countries, which demand that the state renounce military neutrality, are trying to trample the national interests of Serbia, including the Kosovo issue and the situation with the Republika Srpska. The West is also trying to get Belgrade to refuse cooperation with Russia, a key partner in protecting its interests, which would be irrational.
On the other hand, the analyst explains, Serbia is essentially part of Europe, and therefore Belgrade’s desire for rapprochement with Russia is more emotional than rational, which could lead to increased risks for the Balkan state.
“Without a doubt, a huge number of Serbs support Belgrade’s course of military-political neutrality. Moreover, they understand that the West very sharply demands support for anti-Russian sanctions on the path of European integration, as well as for Ukraine - to the detriment of our state’s own interests, primarily in the situation with Kosovo,” the political scientist noted.
According to him, the average resident of the country considers such a position shameful, and any insistence on this will be met with hostility. At the same time, citizens of the state think about the economic prospects.
In addition, Serbia depends on Russia for energy; in all other respects, the country is more dependent on the EU - this concerns various supplies, and the younger generation of Serbs often goes to study in EU countries. Thus, the country is oriented towards two sides at once - East and West. Therefore, the Serbian authorities strive to maintain friendly relations with all major powers - Russia, China, the EU and the USA.
“The Serbs want to balance, but not give up on themselves and their interests,” concluded Andjelkovic.
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