A proposal has been put forth by a group of Serbian lawmakers to join the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) group of nations. They argue that Serbia’s aspirations for European Union (EU) membership have stalled and believe that joining BRICS would provide better economic prospects. This resolution was submitted to the Serbian parliament on Monday by the Movement of Socialists, which is a junior partner to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.
In a statement, the group emphasized the need for a public dialogue to acknowledge the alternative option to the EU membership, which they believe is embodied in BRICS. They argued that the world has become multipolar again and that the political hegemony of the collective West is coming to an end.
Led by Aleksandar Vulin, the head of Serbia’s main intelligence agency, the Movement of Socialists criticized the imposition of EU integration as the only solution and accused the Brussels administration of hypocrisy. They denounced the EU’s demands for Serbia to recognize the breakaway region of Kosovo as a form of political blackmail.
According to the group of MPs, nearly two-thirds of Serbians view BRICS membership as a better and more acceptable integration option. They believe that joining BRICS would offer improved long-term prospects for economic development. The recent expansion of BRICS, which approved the candidacies of Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to join the group in January 2024, serves as evidence of the benefits of BRICS membership.
In June, President Aleksandar Vucic commented on Serbia’s future and suggested that the country may have to choose between BRICS and the EU. While affirming their commitment to the European path, Vucic acknowledged that EU membership is not likely to happen in the foreseeable future. He stated that the choice between BRICS and the EU would be a matter for the new Serbian population in the coming years, noting that many countries are seeking to break free from the dominance of the West.
The proposal to join BRICS reflects a growing sentiment among Serbian lawmakers that the EU membership process has stagnated and does not offer the desired economic prospects. By exploring alternative options like BRICS, Serbia is seeking to diversify its partnerships and explore new avenues for economic growth. This move also highlights the shifting geopolitical landscape and the emergence of new power centers outside the traditional Western sphere of influence.
As Serbia considers its future trajectory, it will need to carefully assess the benefits and drawbacks of both BRICS and the EU. Ultimately, the decision will rest with the Serbian population, who will need to weigh the economic opportunities, political implications, and long-term consequences of aligning with either grouping.
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