Serbia - a Balkan nation pursuing the goal of joining the European Union (EU) - has more than 80% of its gas supply from Russia.
However, the EU has put pressure on Serbia to find alternative supplies. Last year, Serbia failed to reach a new long-term gas contract with Russia's Gazprom group. The short-term agreement signed in December 2025 will expire on March 31.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said he understands the EU's energy policy towards Russia, emphasizing that Serbia "must adjust its energy policy according to a number of requirements and demands".
We will still import a large amount of Russian gas, but increasingly buy more from Europe," Vucic said in an interview at the presidential palace in Belgrade.
Serbia aims to ensure about 500 million m3 of gas per year, equivalent to about 1/5 of demand, through the EU's joint gas purchase initiative that the country has been participating in since last year.
Serbia currently buys gas from Azerbaijan through Bulgaria. In addition, the construction of a gas pipeline to Northern Macedonia, helping Serbia access liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Greece, is expected to start construction this year. A oil pipeline connecting Serbia with Romania is expected to be completed by 2027.
This is a major diversification step" - Mr. Vucic said.
Serbia has deep historical ties with Russia in terms of culture and religion. President Vucic has long sought to balance relations with the Kremlin and the goal of joining the EU.
However, this strategy became more difficult when the Russia-Ukraine conflict broke out in 2022.
The oil and gas company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS) of Serbia, owned by Russia, has been sanctioned by the US, forced to prepare to sell it to the MOL group of Hungary.
President Vucic affirmed that Serbia is still committed to joining the EU. He said that Serbia's economy, living standards and public debt have improved. "Without a doubt, when I was president, Serbia would continue the path of joining the EU," he said.
Mr. Vucic's second and final presidential term will end in 2027. He said early elections will be held this year.
He said he was not sure about future plans, but did not rule out the possibility of returning to party activities or running for prime minister.
I want to participate less in politics or not participate, but heritage protection may require a certain level of dedication," he said.
