Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić has announced a potential shift in the country’s ammunition sales policy, expressing readiness to resume supplying ammunition to the European Union. This decision comes amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where the ammunition might inadvertently reach Ukrainian forces fighting against Russia.
Details of Ammunition Sales
Vučić emphasized the economic necessity behind this potential resumption, stating, “We need to sell it to someone… to earn some money.” He acknowledged the risks involved, admitting that while precautions will be taken to prevent the ammunition from ending up in conflict zones, such incidents occasionally occur.
- Serbia produces up to 160,000 shells annually, comparable to French production.
- Approximately 30,000 workers are reliant on the ammunition sales for their livelihoods.
Past Policies and Current Stance
This announcement marks a significant change from last June when Vučić halted all ammunition exports due to Russian objections, particularly concerning the usage of Serbian shells in the Ukraine conflict. While he continues to express support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, he refrains from endorsing EU sanctions against Russia, stating, “We are not an EU member state.”
Vučić also questioned the effectiveness of international sanctions, arguing they often hurt ordinary citizens rather than achieving desirable outcomes.
EU Criticism and Domestic Protests
In light of the EU Commission’s recent report that criticized Serbia’s societal polarization and the handling of protests, Vučić defended his government against allegations of excessive force and curtailing freedoms. The report highlighted ongoing public discontent related to corruption and societal issues.
Mass demonstrations recently took place in Serbia, marking the anniversary of a train station collapse in Novi Sad that resulted in 16 fatalities. This tragedy sparked a youth-led movement advocating for political reform.
Economic Progress Amidst Challenges
Despite these domestic challenges, Vučić pointed to Serbia’s economic growth. Since taking office as prime minister in 2014, he noted a decrease in public debt, which is currently at 43% of GDP—half the EU average.
This year, Serbia achieved a notable economic milestone with Standard & Poor’s upgrading the nation’s credit rating from BB+ to BBB-. This upgrade marked Serbia’s exit from junk status and is linked to its “Expo 2027” initiative, aimed at fostering foreign investment through a series of infrastructure projects.
Looking Forward
Vučić indicated a positive outlook for future economic endeavors, stating that 127 countries have shown interest in participating in the upcoming expo. This initiative symbolizes Serbia’s commitment to enhancing its economic landscape while navigating geopolitical complexities.
