Tens of thousands of Russians have made Serbia their home. A change in government raises new questions about their future.
The opposition “Student List” won a decisive victory in Serbia’s parliamentary elections last Sunday. Former President Aleksandar Vučić, who heads the Serbian Progressive Party, conceded defeat and said the new government would soon impose sanctions on Russia. Meduza examines how well-founded that prediction is and what else may lie ahead for the tens of thousands of Russians who have moved to…
Belgrade welcomed tens of thousands of Russians as their new residents following a recent shift in Serbia's government. This change has raised concerns about the future of these Russian citizens. The opposition "Student List" emerged victorious in Serbia's recent parliamentary elections, defeating former President Aleksandar Vučić's Serbian Progressive Party.
The new government is expected to impose sanctions on Russia, but the opposition claims they will not do so. The EU has shown support for the Student List's victory, praising their demands, which align with the EU's own reform goals. Despite Brussels expressing concern about lenient Russian policies in Serbia, such as visa-free entry and expedited citizenship, it appears unlikely that Serbia will impose sanctions on Russia in the near future.
The country relies heavily on Russian gas supplies, which account for up to 90% of its energy needs. The Student List's platform emphasizes partnering with EU countries and pursuing reforms for integration, while also maintaining a traditional partnership with Russia. With the formation of a new government and upcoming presidential elections, it remains uncertain when Serbia might introduce visa restrictions or limit the expedited citizenship process for Russians.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
