Thomas Countryman, the former US assistant secretary of state for Europe, has evaluated the recent US-Serbia strategic energy agreement as significant but believes its importance is being overstated. He clarified that the agreement is not an alliance or a permanent economic partnership, but rather a technical arrangement for cooperation on specific energy issues.
Regarding Serbia’s energy dependence, Countryman noted that President Aleksandar Vučić is skillfully balancing relations with both Russia and the West. He stated that Serbia’s economic future ultimately lies with the West, emphasizing the strategic risks of relying on Russian energy imports.
Countryman added that while the agreement does not directly dictate Serbia’s gas purchases, it aligns with ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources away from Russia. He cautioned against interpreting the agreement as unconditional American support for Serbia’s government, highlighting it as a pragmatic step for economic collaboration between the two nations.
On September 18, Serbia and the United States signed their first strategic cooperation agreement in the energy sector. Specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, but officials from both countries view it as a crucial advancement towards closer cooperation.
