Systemic problems highlighted by student protests throughout Serbia were cited as particularly worrying
Foreign Policy Committee European Parliament (EP) adopted the report of the EP permanent rapporteur on Wednesday Tonina Picula for Serbia for the period of 2023 and 2024, and although the document confirms Serbia's strategic commitment to European integration, it simultaneously points to serious shortcomings in key areas, such as the rule of law, the judiciary and harmonization with the European Union's foreign policy.
Systemic problems highlighted by student protests across Serbia were cited as particularly worrisome.
With concerns over allegations of restrictions on civil liberties, lack of institutional and financial transparency, as well as political pressures on the academic community, the report condemned "baseless accusations by the Serbian authorities" that EU member states were involved in organizing student protests in order to cause a "color revolution".
The report also looks at problems in the area of media freedom, expressing concern about insufficient transparency of media ownership and funding.
The European Parliament expresses its condolences to the families of the victims of the tragedy in Novi Sad and calls for "opening of full and transparent legal proceedings after the investigation carried out by the competent authorities".
The culprits for Banjska have not been prosecuted
The need to respect the previously reached agreements between Belgrade and Pristina, including the formation of the Union of Serbian Municipalities, as well as the urgent prosecution of those responsible for the terrorist attack in Banjska in 2023, was emphasized. It was pointed out that Serbia still has not prosecuted the culprits, above all Milan Radoičić.
The MPs in the Foreign Policy Committee also adopted 33 amendments, which mainly refer to the criticism of Serbia due to its close cooperation with the Russian Federation and avoiding the introduction of sanctions against that country.
"The EP reiterates its position that accession negotiations with Serbia should progress only if the country complies with EU sanctions against Russia and makes significant progress in EU-related reforms, especially in the area of 'fundamentals'," stated one of the amendments that became an integral part of the report.
MEPs are asking the European Commission to be clearer and tougher with the authorities in Serbia, expressing concern about its conciliatory approach in the context of the country's backsliding in the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights. The European Commission was called on to use "clearer language, consistently addressing the significant lack of progress and even backsliding, while maintaining the core values of the EU".
The EP foreign policy committee also adopted two amendments by Bulgarian MPs from the European People's Party on the need to protect the Bulgarian minority in Serbia, while all amendments submitted by the far-right group "Patriots for Europe" were rejected.
Source: FoNet
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