Joining the European sanctions regime against Russia is a prerequisite for Serbia's accession to the European Union. The European Parliament approved such a resolution on Wednesday, October 22. 457 out of 720 deputies voted in favor, 103 were against, 72 abstained. The resolutions of the European Parliament are an expression of a political position and a call to other EU institutions, but not a binding decree. dw.com.

European Parliament against "pro-Russian propaganda" in Serbia

The resolution is dedicated to the upcoming anniversary of the tragedy in the Serbian city of Novi Sad, where 16 people were killed. After that, thousands of protests began in the country. The European Parliament supported the right of protesters to demonstrate and condemned the authorities for their dispersal.

The MEPs also pointed to "anti-European and pro-Russian propaganda" in Serbia carried out by "government-controlled media and officials." The resolution calls for free and fair elections to be held in Serbia.

EP for Serbia's accession to the EU, but subject to sanctions

"The Parliament underlines its firm commitment to Serbia's prospects for EU membership, subject to tangible progress in the field of democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights, as well as full compliance with the EU's common foreign and security policy and sanctions against Russia," the text says.

A delegation of EU representatives will be sent to Serbia "to assess the situation on the ground, including the state of democracy," the resolution says.

Vucic: Croatia is preparing a "color revolution" in Serbia

Earlier, the Serbian authorities have repeatedly stated that they do not intend to impose sanctions against Russia. President Aleksandar Vucic spoke with such words in July and August 2025.

Vucic told the TANJUG news agency about the European Parliament's resolution of October 22 that it contains "pathological lies." According to the politician, Croatia was behind the document, striving for a "color revolution" in Serbia.