PM conveniently focused on issue of subsidies - analyst

PM conveniently focused on issue of subsidies - analyst

According to him, "the story about added subsidies (for exports) has been pushed to the forefront somewhat artificially."

He said that the prime minister "conveniently latched onto that formulation, 'additional subsidies', and is in that way attempting what is impossible in the long, and probably also in the mid-term - and that is to sit on two chairs."

"This is an attempt to not jeopardize Serbian economic interests, which are at present quite clear, that we should take advantage of this rare opportunity to increase exports to Russia by tens or hundreds of millions of euros, and on the other hand, not to get Brussels too angry by not following completely their policy of sanctions against Moscow, and that's the point," said Vukadinović.

According to him, Friday's press conference was "very good in terms of political marketing and will satisfy most of the Serbian public," but "few people in Brussels and Moscow will also be satisfied."

"It seems to me that the whole statement shows that the prime minister is aware this strategy will not be able to last long. I think he should have come out stronger, or perhaps say more frankly that the demand coming from Brussels is hypocritical and untenable for Serbia," said Vukadinović.

Another analyst, Vuk Stanković, commented on the news conference by saying that "we did not close the door to European integration, but we also have not turned our back on Russia and impose sanctions. "

"This allows us to still move in the zone that maintains the strategic association with the EU as a state goal, and also prospects of good political and economic relations with Russia," he said.

He believes that the position of neutrality is the best option for Serbia as a country that aspires to develop best relations with Russia and the EU, and that "sanctions against Russia would be very bad news."

Speaking about the business of Serbian companies in Russia, Stanković said that "their destiny in the Russian, but also in every other market, should depend on the quality of products and services."

He added that withholding state subsidies "also sends a message that state interventionism should be reduced as much as possible."

Appraising that Serbia "will receive more and more open suggestions from the EU to impose sanctions on Russia," Stanković said that the foundation of a serious foreign policy is to protect national interests, and that good political and economic relations with Russia and export of goods to its market are "the interest of Serbia."

"Everything that contributes to Serbia's economic progress, including cooperation with Russia, in a way brings us closer to the EU, because it will not accept as members those countries that are economically troubled," said Stanković.