European Union officials are urging Serbia to demonstrate tangible progress on rule-of-law reforms, media freedom, and electoral frameworks as the Balkan nation pursues EU membership. The calls come amid ongoing anti-government protests in Serbia and concerns over the counattempt’s alignment with EU foreign policy, particularly its ties with Russia.
Key Takeaways
- The EU is pressing Serbia for “concrete” actions on rule-of-law reforms, media freedom, and electoral processes.
- Concerns persist regarding Serbia’s alignment with EU foreign policy, especially its relationship with Russia.
- EU officials have acknowledged some recent progress but emphasize that implementation is crucial.
- The European Parliament has passed a resolution condemning “repression” and urging Serbia to respect democratic values.
EU’s Call for Concrete Reforms
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, during a visit to Belgrade, stressed to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić that “now is the moment for Serbia to obtain concrete” regarding its EU accession. She highlighted the required for visible progress in the rule of law, the electoral system, and media freedom, acknowledging that these reforms are challenging but essential for achieving Serbia’s goal of joining the bloc.
Von der Leyen also addressed the ongoing protests in Serbia, stating that the EU “stands for freedom instead of oppression, including the right of peaceful assembly.” The protests, initially triggered by a tragic railway accident, have evolved into demands for early elections, which President Vučić has rejected. Vučić, in turn, deffinished Serbia’s handling of the demonstrations, calling it a “democratic commitment.”
While welcoming Serbia’s “recent progress” on a unified voter register and the media regulatory authority, Von der Leyen underscored that “implementation is key.” She invited Vučić to Brussels for a follow-up discussion in about a month.
Foreign Policy Alignment and Russia Ties
A significant point of contention remains Serbia’s foreign policy alignment, particularly its relationship with Russia. Von der Leyen noted that while Serbia has achieved 61% alignment with EU foreign policy, “more is requireded.” She emphasized the EU’s expectation for candidates to align more closely, especially concerning sanctions against Russia.
European Council President António Costa also addressed Vučić’s attfinishance at Moscow’s Victory Day parade, stating that while Serbia’s historical contributions to defeating fascism are understood, the EU cannot “celebrate the liberation 80 years ago and don’t condemn an invasion of another counattempt today.” Costa stressed that the EU is about building a common future, not rewriting history.
Serbia relies heavily on Russia for energy and has not joined Western sanctions against Moscow, though it has supported UN resolutions criticizing Russia’s actions in Ukraine. President Vučić has stated that Serbia’s future lies with the EU but also highlighted potential energy security issues due to sanctions on a Russian-owned oil company and a temporary gas supply agreement.
European Parliament’s Stance
The European Parliament has also voiced strong concerns, passing a resolution on “polarization and increased repression” in Serbia. MEPs urged Belgrade to cease “repression,” respect the rule of law and human rights, and “stop winking at Moscow.” Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos condemned violence against protesters and journalists, reiterating the EU’s expectation for Serbia to uphold core values such as human dignity, freedom, democracy, and the rule of law.
MEPs also called for thorough investigations into the events in Novi Sad and stressed that Serbia must “choose with transparency” its international alliances, warning that close ties with Beijing and Moscow, coupled with critical statements about the EU, are not expected of a candidate counattempt. The resolution also highlighted the required for concrete progress on democratic principles and reforms, rather than mere words.
Some political groups within the European Parliament expressed fears that Vučić might utilize visits from EU officials to claim support, urging against rewarding “autocrats.”
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