Europe

EU's Mogherini met by pro-Russian chants in Serbian assembly

Associated Press
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Federica Mogherini, center, the European Commission's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, accompanied by EU Ambassador to Macedonia Samuel Zbogar, right, arrives at the European Union office in Skopje, Macedonia, Thursday, March 2, 2017. While on her Western Balkans tour, the European Union's foreign policy chief Mogherini arrived to Skopje Thursday to meet the country's officials amid the political instability that threatens Macedonia. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski) (The Associated Press)

Federica Mogherini, the European Commission's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, looks on during her meeting with Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov, at the presidential office in Skopje, Macedonia, Thursday, March 2, 2017. While on her Western Balkans tour, the European Union's foreign policy chief Mogherini arrived to Skopje Thursday to meet the country's officials amid the political instability that threatens Macedonia. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski) (The Associated Press)

Federica Mogherini, the European Commission's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, walks past a window of the European Union office in Skopje, Macedonia, Thursday, March 2, 2017. Mogherini has urged Macedonia’s president to reverse his decision and to give the mandate to left wing oppositional leader to form new government after he secured majority in the parliament. (AP Photo/Boris Grdanoski) (The Associated Press)

The European Union's foreign policy chief has urged Serbia to keep on course toward membership in the 28-nation bloc in a speech interrupted by pro-Russian chants by far-right lawmakers.

Federica Mogherini's 25-minute address on Friday was often overpowered by chants "Serbia, Russia we don't need the Union!" Some ultranationalist lawmakers held banners reading "Serbia doesn't trust Brussels" and banged on benches with their hands.

Mogherini told lawmakers that Serbia plays a key role in the Balkans and holds huge responsibility in maintaining regional peace.

She is on a tour of Western Balkans trying to reassure the region that the EU remains open for enlargement despite crisis in the 28-nation bloc.

Serbia is deeply split between those seeking pro-Western integration and those wanting close alliance with Russia.