The European Parliament adopted a resolution in which it is assessed that, despite some progress, Serbia still has to overcome significant obstacles on the way to the EU
This primarily refers to the improvement of the internal political dialogue, reforms in the area of the rule of law and the fight against corruption, reaching a comprehensive agreement on the normalization of relations with Kosovo, as well as full alignment with foreign policy Of the European Union (US).
Resolution of the rapporteur of the European Parliament for Serbia Tonina Picula it was adopted with 419 votes in favor, 113 against and 88 abstentions, at the session in Strasbourg.
Tonino Pizzula's report and resolution are the European Parliament's response to the European Commission's 2023 and 2024 Reports on Serbia, but also take into account the latest developments in the country, including student protests, which are seen as marked by concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law.
Independence of institutions is of key importance
The text also emphasizes that ensuring the independence of key institutions, among them the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM) and the full implementation of the recommendations of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OEBS/ODIHR) and the bodies of the Council of Europe regarding electoral reforms, through a transparent and inclusive process and well before the holding of any new elections, also remain of key importance.
Deep concern is expressed about the systemic problems pointed out by the student protests and other protests in Serbia, such as issues of civil liberties, separation of powers, corruption, environmental protection, institutional and financial transparency, especially in relation to infrastructure projects, and accountability.
The EP confirms that the student demands are in line with the reforms expected from Serbia on its European path.
Investigation on March 15th
It also states that the mass protests held on March 15 in Belgrade "represent the largest protests in the modern history of Serbia and calls for an impartial investigation into the claims that illegal crowd control technology was used against the demonstrators, as a result of which several of them were injured."
"Vreme" wrote extensively about the events of March 15 research.
Picula: A clear and strong message about the autocratic nature of the government in Serbia
Totino Picula assessed that by adopting his report and resolution on Serbia, the European Parliament supported a clear and strong message about the autocratic character of the government in Serbia, but also about the courageous resistance to the regime.
"Thank you to fellow MPs and assistants for your excellent cooperation and support," Picula announced on the X social network after the vote in the European Parliament.
On Tuesday, at the beginning of the discussion, Picula said that the political reality in Serbia has been extremely complex for a long time, especially in the last six months.
"The fall of the canopy in Novi Sad, when 16 citizens lost their lives, has become a tragic symbol of systemic corruption, nepotism and inadequate control mechanisms that should protect citizens. Today we are discussing the situation in a country in which electoral legislation has serious shortcomings. The media is generally not free or accessible to everyone, in which the regulatory body for the media does not function, the judiciary selectively distributes justice, and exposes those who point out problems to public attacks," Picula said.
He also added that the personal data of those who protest are made public, and unidentified illegal means are used against them, which is then investigated by the Russian authorities.
"EU citizens are detained and expelled from the country because of their social media status, and EU members and their representatives are accused of being behind the so-called color revolution," Picula said at the start of the debate in Strasbourg.
Source: 021.rs/N1
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