Ibro Ibrahimović, adviser to the Deputy Prime Minister of Serbia, has stated that the European bureaucracy no longer understands the dynamics of relations in the Western Balkans, stressing that Serbia remains committed to its European path, but that this path must not entail a colonial-style relationship.
Speaking to Tanjug, Ibrahimović said that the European path is the only logical direction for Serbia, primarily because of its geographical position and strong economic ties with the European Union. He pointed out that more than 300,000 people in Serbia are employed by companies from EU member states.
He also argued that Brussels applies different standards when it comes to EU accession and described it as “frustrating” that countries such as Ukraine and Moldova are being discussed as potential future EU members despite their internal, territorial and economic challenges.
“You speak about Ukraine, which has 20 per cent of its territory under occupation. You speak about Moldova, the poorest territory in Europe, and then we find ourselves in a situation where Serbia has technically fulfilled the requirements for Cluster 3, yet it is still not being opened. We are clearly dealing with different standards,” Ibrahimović said.
He also commented on the EU’s approach to the issue of Kosovo and Metohija, noting that, according to him, 137 ethnically motivated attacks were recorded there last year, while 37 have been recorded so far this year. “We have not seen any of the tools that the European Union could have used to exert pressure on the authorities in Priština and ease the pressure faced by the Serbian population in Kosovo and Metohija. That is one side of the issue. On the other hand, the world is changing globally, and I believe we are witnessing the emergence of a truly multipolar world,” he added.
Speaking about the development of a multipolar world order, Ibrahimović argued that Serbia is not merely observing these changes but is an active participant among those shaping the future of global affairs. “If the question is whether we have a sound foreign policy and whether we have abandoned the European path, the answer is no – we have not abandoned the European path. However, we have ceased to be a partner in the kind of colonial relationship in which Europe sought to place us, particularly in terms of carrying out certain administrative and value-based obligations,” Ibrahimović said.
Regarding Serbia’s relations with Europe and China, Ibrahimović believes that the People’s Republic of China is, in economic terms, “the most valuable opportunity currently available to both Europe and Serbia”.
He further argued that Europe faces challenges such as social decline and demographic issues, which, he said, will create serious difficulties for the European Union. “When you look at the whole picture, Serbia now has, for the first time, a strategic policy of not belonging exclusively to one camp or remaining on a single path at any cost. We are completely open to cooperation with everyone, and I believe that is an excellent position to be in, especially if you establish yourself as a reliable partner,” he added.
(RTV, 04.06.2026)