German Chancellor Merz addressed Serbian President Vučić on June 6: "Serbia’s path to the EU remains open, but it cannot waver between Russia, China, and Europe. Serbia must clearly decide where its future lies. If Serbia’s answer is 'Europe,' then Europe’s answer will be 'Serbia'."
Merz’s statement represents a form of "final choice"-style pressure from the EU toward Serbia. The core message conveyed by Merz is clear: "Stop hedging—choose a side."
Serbian accession negotiations have been stalled for over five years, primarily because the EU demands that Serbia align its foreign policy with Brussels and recognize Kosovo’s independence.
Amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Serbia still relies on discounted Russian natural gas; meanwhile, it deepens its “ironclad friendship” with China, securing $1.1 billion in Chinese investment set for May 2026. From the EU’s perspective, this goes beyond mere balancing.
As the largest country in the region, Serbia has fewer than half of its population supporting EU membership.
To break the deadlock, Merz brought forth a "step-by-step accession" proposal. Germany and France have jointly led a draft initiative allowing candidate countries to gain early access to market benefits upon meeting specific conditions.
The EU aims to prevent ceding influence in the Western Balkans to rivals—especially as Chinese firms view Serbia as a "bridgehead" into the European market.
Merz’s speech was not an invitation—it was a ultimatum. He told Serbia: "If you want to join the EU, you can no longer 'have your feet in two boats.' This serves as a final warning to Vučić’s government and reflects the EU’s tough measures to consolidate its sphere of influence at a time when its own expansion capacity is being questioned."
Merz’s personal involvement underscores Germany’s role as Serbia’s largest trading partner and major investor, leveraging substantial economic incentives to counterbalance the appeal of China and Russia, and demonstrating the vision that 'joining the EU = prosperity.'
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867207667135488/
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