Former Minister of Mining and Energy Zorana Mihajlović stated that if there were at least some agreement and the Russian side were ready to sell its stake in the Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS)—whether to Serbia or a third party—everything would be fine. However, she emphasized that for Russia, the issue is not financial but political.
“Lukoil is a private company and clearly did not want to incur losses, so it quickly completed the sale process, which is good for us since they have gas stations here. However, both Gazprom and Gazprom Neft are state-owned companies that for decades have not only supplied oil and gas but also served as instruments of Russia’s political influence,” Mihajlović said in an interview with Kurir, adding that Serbia has always been a fair partner.
According to her, if the Russian side does not respond or refuses to sell NIS, Serbia still has the option to take it over.
“No one wants that, but our energy security and national safety are more important than anything else. We have the right to protect ourselves. That would mean the JANAF oil pipeline would be activated, oil supply would be secured, and we could even help our neighbors,” she explained.
Mihajlović added that such a move would not be unusual, recalling that Germany took over Gazprom Germania a few months after the war began and after Russia cut off gas supplies to ensure the company’s security and solvency.
“Poland did the same. It’s important to stress that Serbia considers this only as a last-resort option,” she concluded.
