In a speech in the European Parliament, the rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, assessed that the fall of the canopy in Novi Sad has become a symbol of systemic corruption, while the government is simultaneously running away from European values
Reporter of the European Parliament for Serbia Tonino Picula he stated that the political reality in Serbia has been extremely complex for a long time, especially in the last six months since the fall of the canopy in Novi Sad, which became a symbol of corruption.
Presenting the report on Serbia in the European Parliament, which will express its opinion on that document tomorrow, Picula said that the fall of the canopy at the Railway Station in Novi Sad, in which 16 people lost their lives, became a symbol of corruption, nepotism and inadequate control mechanisms that should protect citizens.
"Today we are discussing a situation in a country where the electoral legislation has serious shortcomings. The media is generally not free and accessible to everyone, and where the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media does not function," Picula said.
Picula also stated that in Serbia, the judiciary distributes justice selectively, and those who point out public problems are exposed to attacks.
He mentioned that the private data of the demonstrators are made public, illegal means are used against them which are then investigated by Russian services, citizens of the European Union (EU) are expelled from the country because of their status on social networks, and EU member states are accused of being behind the so-called "color revolution".
Hey! Suite
Report on Serbia in the EP pic.twitter.com/JByTeGr3t0- Broj Jedan (@Broj__Jedan) May 6, 2025
According to him, Serbia refuses to harmonize with the geopolitical determination of the EU and the introduction of sanctions against Russia, while the vote in the United Nations on the war in Ukraine is justified as a mistake.
Despite some progress, primarily in the area of cluster competitiveness and inclusive growth, Serbia, as he said, still faces major obstacles that must be overcome.
"While Vučić is planning new energy agreements with Russia, there are no necessary reforms in sight"
This refers to the improvement of internal dialogue, the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the achievement of a comprehensive agreement on the normalization of relations with Kosovo and full alignment with the EU's foreign policy.
Picula also said that economic data, although improved, cannot be the only measure of success, because the EU is not only a common market.
According to him, economic work is often based on non-transparent contracts that are exempt from the application of the Law on Public Procurement, and they also have a certain political influence.
Referring to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's preparations for going to Moscow to celebrate Victory Day, Picula said that while Vučić is planning new energy agreements with Russia, there are no necessary reforms in sight that are crucial for the European path.
"The statements of the Serbian leader about formal commitment to European integration sound really unbelievable, while this week he is planning a trip to Moscow and new energy agreements with Russia, and there are no necessary reforms in sight that are crucial for a successful European path. After all, joining the EU is first and foremost the responsibility of the member states, not an alibi to avoid their own responsibility for problems in the country," Picula said.
Speaking about the students who are running to Brussels, Picula said that he appreciates their sacrifice and struggle, adding that he heard their messages clearly from the very beginning and that in the report he emphasizes the same goals that they stand for.
"Since they, as young people, represent the future of their country, the government's attitude towards them says much more than any party programs about the future," emphasized Picula.
"The EU is also responsible for the situation in Serbia"
Picula assessed that the responsibility for the situation in Serbia also lies with the EU, albeit to a lesser extent.
"From political messages from the top about the progress of the rule of law, bilateral trade agreements of the largest members, to very low rates of investment of European money where it brings the greatest transformational benefit, strengthening the judiciary and the fight against corruption," mentioned Picula.
He said that the European Parliament as an institution will remain the loudest supporter of EU enlargement, but that it needs to be based on merit, real reforms and clear compliance with European values and geopolitical positions of the EU.
Source: FoNet
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