Politics

Serbia continues accelerated citizenship for Russians despite EU warnings

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Jun 11, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-06-11-1730
Serbia continues accelerated citizenship for Russians despite EU warnings

An investigation reveals Serbia is still granting expedited citizenship to Russians, including sanctioned individuals, despite EU warnings. This practice, four times more frequent for Russians this year, could impact Serbia's EU visa-free regime.

An investigation by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reveals that Serbia continues to grant citizenship to Russian nationals through an expedited "national interest" procedure, despite warnings from the European Union. This year, the number of passports issued to Russians is reportedly four times higher than to any other foreign group. The investigation indicates that some individuals receiving Serbian citizenship are listed on international sanctions lists. This practice, which allows for accelerated naturalization, could potentially jeopardize Serbia's visa-free travel arrangement with the EU. The report highlights the ongoing trend of Serbia providing citizenship to Russians under these circumstances.

Sources: Радіо Свобода

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