The European Commission has called on Serbia to tighten its criteria for granting citizenship to Russian nationals, citing concerns over the potential security implications. Between 2022 and March 2025, Serbian authorities have reportedly granted citizenship to over 200 Russian citizens through a special process intended for individuals providing “services to the country.”
This rapid increase in citizenship awards has raised questions within the European Union about the transparency and security of Serbia’s citizenship policies, especially given the ongoing geopolitical tensions. The European Commission emphasizes the importance of thorough vetting procedures to prevent potentially problematic individuals from obtaining citizenship under expedited processes.
Among those granted Serbian citizenship was reportedly an individual described as an FSB commando, highlighting the sensitive nature of some cases. While Serbia maintains that its citizenship policies are designed to attract qualified and valuable individuals, EU officials have requested clearer guidelines and more rigorous assessments to ensure security and transparency in the process.
Serbia has yet to publicly respond to the European Commission’s recommendations. The development underscores ongoing concerns in the region regarding the handling of citizenship procedures amid broader geopolitical considerations.