Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedović-Handanović commented on the situation, calling it "very grave" and "almost hopeless." The key problem is that Bulgaria, following the EU decision, will not allow Russian gas transit through Balkan Stream.
According to the minister, this will directly harm Serbia in the future. The situation of the Naftna Industrija Srbije (NIS), which is under US sanctions, creates additional complications. Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabić also responded to the EU decision, calling it "catastrophic news" for the country.
Brnabić noted that Serbia had been diversifying its supplies. The country receives gas from Azerbaijan, also via Bulgaria. However, the current contract for Russian gas supplies, which meets over 80% of the country's needs, expires at the end of the year. The Speaker of Parliament noted that she currently sees no way out of the situation and is awaiting President Aleksandar Vučić's return from Hungary after a meeting with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The decision was made by the Council of the European Union on Monday. It approved a phased phase-out of gas imports from Russia, effective January 1, 2026, with a transition period for existing contracts until January 1, 2028. It also introduces requirements for confirming the origin of gas: one month for Russian gas (during the transition period), and five days for non-Russian gas. According to Tanjug news agency, citing the Minister of Energy, Serbia hopes to find a solution thanks to President Vučić's "excellent relations" with world leaders.
Earlier, Vučić announced a constructive dialogue with Russia on NIS and energy issues.