The Buzz | Serbia’s PM: gov’t to be pro-EU keeping Russia, China ties

Serbia’s prime minister-designate said yesterday her new government will be pro-European but will also maintain “friendly’’ relations with Russia and China.
Ana Brnabic made the comments in an address to parliament, which is to approve Serbia’s new government dominated by allies of autocratic President Aleksandar Vucic.
Brnabic, who also led the previous Cabinet, said that the task of the new government will be to speed up “the process of European integration’’ by making rule of law and democratic reforms in line with requirements for joining the European Union.
Although formally seeking EU membership, Serbia has been strengthening its economic, political and military ties with Russia and China.
Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party swept the June 21 parliamentary vote that was boycotted by several of the main opposition parties. The Progressives won 188 seats in the 250-member assembly. The remainder went to Vucic’s allies or to minority groups.
The opposition boycott was carried out citing the lack of free and fair voting conditions and a danger to public health amid the COVID-19 pandemic.