Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister on Joining BRICS

Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin has referred to BRICS as a "real alternative to the EU."

"BRICS is attractive for Serbia; it will participate in the organization's upcoming summit in Kazan and is exploring the possibility of membership," the Deputy Prime Minister said in an interview with Berliner Zeitung.

“It would be irresponsible not to consider all options, including joining BRICS. If BRICS countries are attractive for other nations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, or Turkey, why should Serbia be any different? There is no doubt that BRICS has become a real alternative to the EU,” he stated.

The official mentioned that he has become euroskeptic after "recognizing the EU from the inside" and noted that Brussels imposes impossible conditions on Belgrade, perceiving the country not as a partner.

According to Vulin, the EU demands that Serbia sever all ties with Russia to become part of the union, whereas President Vladimir Putin has not put forth such conditions.