Serbia has held EU candidate status since 2012 but continues close relations with both Russia and China. It remains the only country in Europe not to impose sanctions against Russia, organizes joint military drills with China, and sells ammunition to Ukraine through intermediaries.
On November 7, 2025, the Serbian parliament passed a special law permitting the demolition of the Yugoslav Army’s former General Staff building in Belgrade, bombed by NATO in 1999. On the site, Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners plans a hotel, office center, apartments, and a museum with a 99-year free lease in central Belgrade. This sparked protests from architects and citizens, as well as an investigation into alleged document falsification in Kushner’s favor.
Serbia maintains advantageous economic ties with Russia, importing two-thirds of its gas and serving as a “window to Europe” for Russian businesses circumventing sanctions. In 2019, Belgrade signed a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, led by Russia, and allows visa-free entry for Russian citizens.
At the same time, Serbia sells ammunition to Ukraine via third parties, as confirmed by international reports. Authorities officially deny direct deliveries but emphasize legality and the commercial nature of the transactions, while the volume of exports continues.
Another key relationship is with China. Serbia holds joint military exercises, welcomes Chinese investment, but has also seen scandals, such as the collapse of a train station built by a Chinese company.
The EU has asked Belgrade to clarify its strategic orientation, but Serbia continues to balance between centers of power, adopting a pragmatic, profit-driven approach to foreign policy.
