Serbia Appoints Sanctioned Intelligence Chief as Vice Premier Amidst EU Membership Push

Former Serbian intelligence chief Aleksandar Vulin, who has cultivated close ties with Russia and is currently subject to U.S. Sanctions for allegedly involving himself in arms shipments, drug trafficking, and misuse of public office, will serve as one of several vice-premiers in the new government announced by Milos Vucevic, Serbia’s prime minister-designate. The inclusion of Vulin suggests continued close ties with Russia despite Serbia’s proclaimed EU membership path. In July 2022, the U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Vulin for his alleged role in helping a U.S.-sanctioned arms dealer move illicit weapons across Serbian borders and involvement in drug trafficking rings, according to American authorities. After resigning from his position as director of Serbia’s intelligence agency BIA following the imposition of these sanctions, Vulin had previously served as both army and police chief. The announcement comes after a contentious parliamentary election in December 2022 that saw President Aleksandar Vucic’s ruling populist right-wing party win most seats but also sparked political tensions due to allegations of widespread irregularities by local and international observers, resulting in street protests led by an opposition coalition.