Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Đedović Handanović stated that Serbia is in an extremely difficult and nearly inescapable situation following the European Union Council’s decision to ban the transit of Russian gas through the EU to third countries, effective January 1. She explained that Bulgaria will block the flow of Russian gas through the Balkan Stream pipeline, which will also negatively affect Serbia.
Đedović Handanović emphasized that, thanks to the strong relationships President Aleksandar Vučić maintains with world leaders, Serbia hopes to find a solution and is doing everything possible to mitigate the impact. She noted that the situation is particularly challenging given the current issues affecting the Serbian Oil Industry.
According to Đedović Handanović, Serbia “is not a participant in any conflict, yet finds itself affected through no fault of its own.” Despite these challenges, she reassured that the government will continue to do its utmost to ensure that citizens do not experience disruptions in energy supply.
