European Commission spokesman Peter Stano said on Tuesday that the European Union expects candidate countries, including Serbia, to impose sanctions against Russia following its decision to recognize two breakaway regions of Ukraine.

Stano said in a written reply to the Voice of America that the EU’s reaction will include sanctions for Russia’s violation of international law and expects candidate countries to align their policies with hose of the EU.

According to Stano, Serbia as a candidate country is expected to align with EU decisions on foreign and security policy.