As of: March 15, 2024, 3:27 p.m
By: Florian Naumann
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Press
Split
Many events in Serbia worry observers - but the EU candidate country is also being courted by Putin.
Markus Söder's course is set.
Belgrade/Munich – Politically, Serbia is a tricky place: there is great sympathy for Russia in the country – and the parliamentary elections at the end of 2023 fueled massive criticism of manipulation.
The Viennese scientist Vedran Dzihic recently warned in an interview with
IPPEN.MEDIA
against the “mainstreaming of right-wing nationalist positions” and an “authoritarian style of government” in the country.
Nevertheless, Serbia is a candidate for EU membership.
Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) now wants to help with accession and strengthen the ties between Bavaria and Belgrade;
also, but not only, economically: during a visit on Friday (March 15th) he announced “a small representative office, a small Bavarian embassy”.
There was also an important medal from the controversial Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic.
Söder's calculation is clear: he doesn't want to leave any avenues open to charm offensives from Russia or China.
But this course is controversial.
Söder wants to contain Russia and China: Serbia is a “deeply European country”
Söder traveled to the Western Balkan country for a one-day visit at Vucic's invitation.
The CSU leader assured Serbia of Bavaria's support on its way to the EU.
“It would be a great loss for Europe, and I think also for Serbia, if this path is not taken,” said Söder.
“This family guarantees freedom, security, stability and freedom of research,” he said, referring to the EU.
Serbia, however, is a “deeply European country” that should not be left to other spheres of influence.
Söder openly cited Russia and China as examples.
Both sides have “homework” to do, he said.
But he didn't come as a teacher or referee.
Markus Söder (left) and Aleksandar Vucic on Friday in Serbia's capital Belgrade.
© Michael Donhauser/picture-alliance/dpa
Western science attests that Serbia has significant democratic deficits.
Attempting further connection is not the only conceivable path: Dzihic spoke at
IPPEN.MEDIA
in favor of stronger cooperation between the EU and pro-European forces in civil society.
“Compromises with autocrats”, a kind of “stabilocracy”, on the other hand, could turn into a boomerang – as the case of Viktor Orbán in Hungary has shown.
On another occasion, the expert also characterized Vucic as a “Serbian nationalist”.
Söder receives medal from Vucic in Serbia
In addition to geopolitical considerations, Söder is also likely to be concerned about Bavaria's economy.
According to Vucic, around 25,000 people in Serbia currently work for Bavarian companies.
He cited the automotive suppliers Leoni and Brose as well as the technology group Siemens as examples.
Söder emphasized that the Bavarian economy is ready to continue investing in Serbia.
He called the world exhibition Expo taking place in Belgrade in 2027 a “huge opportunity”.
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Scientific cooperation should also be expanded.
The University of Belgrade and the Ingolstadt University of Technology signed a cooperation agreement on Friday.
The aim is to soon exchange scientists and students, said the President of the TH Ingolstadt, Professor Walter Schober.
Science Minister Markus Blume, State Chancellor Florian Herrmann and Bavaria's “Foreign Minister” Eric Beißwenger (all CSU) also traveled to Serbia with Söder.
As a sign of recognition, Vucic presented Söder with the Order of the Republic of Serbia on ribbon - one of the country's highest awards.
Vucic, who was once information minister under Serbian ruler Slobodan Milosevic, who was later accused of being a war criminal, has also come under international criticism for, among other things, his media policy and his proximity to Russian politics.
(
fn with material from dpa
)