Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement of the European Union, stated that she wants to see a democratic Serbia in the European Union, but that she expects a clear orientation from Serbia.

At a meeting with journalists on the sidelines of the EU Enlargement Forum in Brussels, Kos said that it is unacceptable to her that some Russian citizens, including those on the sanctions list, are receiving Serbian citizenship through special procedures, as well as that the presence of the Serbian army in Russia’s military exercise “West” is unacceptable. “If you participate in the action of the army that kills people in Ukraine, forget the accession process, the chapters, such a country can never become a member of the EU, but that is your choice”.

Kos assessed that this year’s report of the EC on Serbia was harsh. “I am also a harsh and strict person, but also fair and committed. I see Serbia in the European Union, but a democratic Serbia. You cannot sit on two chairs and look to the EU for money and to the other side for gas.”

When it comes to the energy crisis and US sanctions on NIS, Kos said that the EU is ready to help Serbia. “If you need help, we are here. We can help financially, with the energy structure.”

Kos said that politicians in Serbia should stop with anti-European rhetoric and that the most important thing is to build the trust of citizens who, as she added, trust the EU less than before.

Regarding the opening of cluster three, Kos said that the Commission stated in the report that Serbia met all the criteria for opening, and not for the first time, but that it also required the fulfillment of the obligations that the member countries presented in the non-paper last November, namely the resolution of the Banjska case, media laws, voters lists, and REM (Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media).

(Source: Beta, 18/11/2025)

Marta Kos on Serbia: You cannot sit on two chairs – ask for money from the EU and ask the other side for gas