Serbia, between US sanctions and the gas crisis: a double blow for Belgrade
Serbia, under double pressure: American sanctions against the energy industry controlled by Russia and the suspension of Azerbaijani gas. Vučić promises stability, but the crisis threatens prices and the geopolitical balance.
Serbia, between sanctions and the gas crisis: a double blow for Belgrade
Serbia is going through a difficult time, facing US sanctions on its energy sector and the sudden suspension of gas supplies from Azerbaijan. The sanctions announcement targets Serbian company Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), majority controlled by Gazprom and Gazprom Neft, calling for the complete removal of Russian interests from the company. President Aleksandar Vučić qualified the sanctions as the most severe ever applied to a Serbian company, he notes POLITICO.
In parallel, Azerbaijan informed Serbia that it can no longer deliver the 1.7 million cubic meters of gas daily, citing “force majeure”. This disruption comes at a crucial time, when Serbia relies on Azeri gas to diversify its supply and reduce dependence on Russia. Vučić promised that there would be no major energy crisis and that Serbia’s national interest would be protected.
The American sanctions come against the background of a global strategy of economic isolation of Russia. Serbia has until March 12 to restructure the NIS shareholding, and Vučić announced that he will discuss the situation with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Meanwhile, the gas crisis threatens to raise prices and exacerbate domestic discontent amid national protests.
Questions remain about the timing of Azerbaijan’s decisions and US sanctions. Analysts speculate that Moscow could exert pressure on Belgrade through Baku, although Azeri officials deny Russian involvement. The complex relations between Serbia, Russia and Azerbaijan remain a point of major geopolitical interest.
Source: www.mediafax.ro
