French President Emmanuel Macron is visiting Serbia to discuss access to critical minerals, particularly lithium, with his Serbian counterpart Aleksandar Vučić. The EU and China are vying for economic ties with Belgrade, forcing Serbia to navigate a delicate diplomatic balance.
The European Commission’s long-term strategy to reduce dependence on China includes securing access to critical minerals like lithium from sources within the EU. Serbia finds itself caught between the interests of the EU and China, with both parties seeking access to its lithium resources.
While Serbia aims to maintain positive relationships with both the EU and China, it must carefully navigate trade agreements and investments to satisfy both sides. The recent EU deal with Serbia on lithium mining aligns with European interests and aims to reduce reliance on Chinese imports.
China, on the other hand, has significant domestic lithium resources and is less dependent on Serbia’s supply. However, Chinese investments in Serbia, including in mining and infrastructure projects, raise concerns about Beijing’s influence in the region.
Serbia’s strategic position as a potential lithium supplier to the EU gives it leverage in its relationships with both the EU and China. Balancing economic promises to both partners while safeguarding its own interests is crucial for Serbia’s future economic and diplomatic success. By aligning its mining projects with European interests and maintaining ties with China, Serbia aims to benefit from both partnerships while avoiding conflicts between the EU and China.
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