Serbia Explores BRICS Membership as Alternative to EU Path at Inaugural Conference

Inaugural Conference Held in Belgrade

Belgrade, Serbia – On Monday, September 29, 2025, Serbia hosted its first international parliamentary conference titled 'BRICS - Serbia among friends' in the Serbian Parliament. The event marked a significant step in the nation's consideration of BRICS membership as a potential alternative to its long-standing path toward European Union integration.

The conference was organized by the Socialist Movement, led by former intelligence chief and current Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin, in collaboration with the Informal Parliamentary Group for Cooperation and Accession to BRICS and the Institute for Strategic Social Dialogue. The gathering saw the participation of numerous diplomats, including the Russian Ambassador to Serbia, Aleksandr Bocan-Kharchenko, and Chinese Ambassador Li Ming, alongside representatives from countries such as Belarus, Venezuela, the UAE, Iran, Cuba, Palestine, Algeria, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Brazil, and Myanmar.

Addressing EU Integration Challenges

A central theme of the conference was the perceived stagnation and increasing demands associated with Serbia's EU accession process. Serbia applied for EU membership in 2009 and gained candidate status in 2012, but progress has been slow. Speakers at the conference highlighted that Brussels has imposed conditions such as the recognition of Kosovo's independence, withdrawal of support for Republika Srpska, and the severing of traditional ties with Russia and China.

Aleksandar Vulin, a prominent advocate for closer ties with BRICS, stated, 'Be brave because you dare to say that you do not support unconditional membership in the EU.' He further questioned the EU's demands, asking, 'Why do you keep setting us conditions that we cannot fulfil?' Vulin emphasized that 'Every step closer to the EU is a step away from Serbian sovereignty, but also from friends Russia and China.'

BRICS as a Sovereign Alternative

The conference underscored BRICS as a viable and attractive alternative that does not impose stringent political conditions or compromise national sovereignty. Russian Ambassador Aleksandr Bocan-Kharchenko affirmed Russia's support for Serbia's aspirations, noting that 'BRICS plays a key role in creating a multipolar world.' Chinese Ambassador Li Ming added that BRICS represents 'true multilateralism and speaks with one voice in international bodies,' contributing to a 'fairer and more equitable governance.'

Proponents of BRICS membership, including Vulin, stressed that the bloc does not require members to adopt external laws, recognize specific territories, or align with particular foreign policy stances, such as imposing sanctions. This non-conditional engagement was presented as a stark contrast to the EU's demands, offering Serbia greater autonomy in its international relations.

Serbia's Balancing Act

While the conference highlighted strong interest in BRICS, Serbia's leadership maintains a nuanced approach. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has acknowledged the possibility of Serbia facing a choice between the EU and BRICS in the future, yet he has also emphasized Serbia's deep economic ties with the EU. President Vučić notably declined an invitation to the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, in October 2024, citing other commitments. Public opinion in Serbia remains divided, with approximately 42% of the population viewing BRICS favorably, a figure comparable to support for the EU. The Serbian government continues to navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, balancing its European aspirations with growing interest in non-Western alliances.