19 votes

Netherlands will block Serbia's next step toward EU accession

8 comments

  1. [8]
    JCPhoenix
    Link
    Archive.is link. Isn't this pretty typical of the Netherlands? Feel like I've seen this article before, just with a countries other than Serbia.

    Archive.is link.

    Isn't this pretty typical of the Netherlands? Feel like I've seen this article before, just with a countries other than Serbia.

    6 votes
    1. [7]
      cfabbro
      Link Parent
      Netherlands is still understandably holding a serious grudge against Russia for Flight 17, amongst other things (like Ukraine). And Serbia is far more closely aligned with Russia than the EU at...

      Netherlands is still understandably holding a serious grudge against Russia for Flight 17, amongst other things (like Ukraine). And Serbia is far more closely aligned with Russia than the EU at this point, so this rejection isn't a surprise in the slightest.

      16 votes
      1. [4]
        CptBluebear
        Link Parent
        We're also stuck with a government that has the highest anti-EU sentiment since it all started.

        We're also stuck with a government that has the highest anti-EU sentiment since it all started.

        12 votes
        1. [3]
          Raspcoffee
          Link Parent
          Yeah I'm not surprised that our cabinet is blocking it, though to be honest, with the direction Serbia is taking, corruption, the issue with Kosovo among others - I really doubt that we'd be the...

          Yeah I'm not surprised that our cabinet is blocking it, though to be honest, with the direction Serbia is taking, corruption, the issue with Kosovo among others - I really doubt that we'd be the only one. We'll probably take most of the blame now, but I can't imagine all countries getting on one line with this. Orban is already a pain enough as it is.

          Also, I think this is partially to appease the anti-EU crowd in the wake of us (finally) accepting Bulgaria and Romania in Schengen. Geopolitically, further expanding Balkan memberstates is useful as a counter to Russia, but it's easier said than done with all the internal bickering.

          3 votes
          1. [2]
            CptBluebear
            Link Parent
            I'm also not entirely sure I'm opposed to the decision either. Serbia is a little too Kosovo-brained for a golden ticket. At the same time, perhaps accession will help them overcome these...

            I'm also not entirely sure I'm opposed to the decision either.

            Serbia is a little too Kosovo-brained for a golden ticket. At the same time, perhaps accession will help them overcome these deficiencies over time, but there's no guarantee.

            2 votes
            1. Raspcoffee
              Link Parent
              Yeah, if it's useful as a counter to Russia I could see say, North Macedonia. Maybe Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Serbia is a different matter for all the previous outlined issues.

              Yeah, if it's useful as a counter to Russia I could see say, North Macedonia. Maybe Bosnia and Herzegovina, but Serbia is a different matter for all the previous outlined issues.

              3 votes
      2. [2]
        adutchman
        Link Parent
        With the latter, wouldn't more member states block it?

        With the latter, wouldn't more member states block it?

        1 vote
        1. cfabbro
          (edited )
          Link Parent
          I'm by no means a political expert, let alone one on the EU, but yes, I imagine it's likely more member states will eventually join in on blocking Serbia, especially with their refusal to...

          I'm by no means a political expert, let alone one on the EU, but yes, I imagine it's likely more member states will eventually join in on blocking Serbia, especially with their refusal to acknowledge Kosovo's independence and joining the EU in sanctioning Russia. And with the US now supposedly planning on sanctioning Serbia's own largest gas company (NIS) due to its Russian ownership, which the UK and EU are anticipated to follow, even without Netherlands blocking Serbia I doubt they will be getting in the EU.

          2 votes