On May 6, the European Parliament engaged in a debate regarding the political crisis in Serbia and adopted a report with 419 votes in favour, 113 against, and 88 abstentions. This report evaluated Serbia’s progress in 2023 and 2024 to join the European Union. The debate featured contributions from Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement. It coincided with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić‘s announcement regarding his participation in Moscow’s annual Victory Day celebrations.
While Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) acknowledged certain advancements in Serbia’s negotiations, they underscored that the country still faces substantial challenges. President Vučić’s decision to attend the Moscow celebrations, despite express warnings from EU officials, drew significant criticism from many MEPs. Notably, he, alongside Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, were the only European leaders to proceed with this visit.
On Thursday, Kaja Kallas, the Chief Diplomat of the European Union, remarked that all those who truly support peace cannot stand side-by-side with Putin. “Those who genuinely support peace should be in Ukraine tomorrow, not Moscow,” Kallas said.
The report indicated that Belgrade must enhance its internal political discourse, safeguard the rule of law, and undertake comprehensive anti-corruption reforms. Furthermore, it is imperative for Serbia to reach a comprehensive normalisation agreement with Kosovo and to align fully with the EU’s foreign policy. The Parliament called upon Serbian authorities to ensure the independence of essential institutions, including media regulators such as the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media. Additionally, it is crucial to implement all outstanding recommendations from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and the Council of Europe regarding electoral reform well before any forthcoming elections.
MEPs also emphasised the need for full and transparent legal proceedings and the necessity of an official investigation into the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy on November 1, 2024. They called for an impartial inquiry into allegations concerning the use of unlawful crowd control technology against protesters. Furthermore, they expressed deep concern regarding the ongoing violence against students and the increasing political and financial pressure being placed on educators and university professors who support students’ collective actions.
“A long political crisis, intensified by a lack of progress on fundamental criteria, such as corruption, rule of law, media freedom and electoral reform, is having a direct impact on Serbia’s progress towards EU membership,” rapporteur Tonino Picula (S&D, HR) said.
“For too long, Serbia has been trying to take the best of EU funds while side-lining our core values and our geopolitical orientation. The enlargement process is merit-based, and Serbia’s progress could have a positive impact on the region,” highlighted Picula.
The Serbian government’s unwillingness to truly choose the European path
Thijs Reuten (S&D, NL), a Committee on Foreign Affairs member, emphasised that the Parliament demands impartiality, not neutrality, in enlargement processes.
“And the commission could no longer turn a blind eye to what’s happening in Serbia,” he said. “Civil society intimidation, media suppression, state capture, autocratic drift. And yes, cosying up with Putin made it worse, but that is not the core of the problem, nor is Kosovo. The real issue here is the government’s unwillingness to truly choose the European path”.
“The students didn’t ask for dialogue, they want rule of law implementation,” continued Reuten. “The Commission’s reluctance to attach political consequences or honest communication eroded the EU’s credibility. We want Serbia in the EU, but not like this”.
He then called Commissioner Marta Kos to support those seeking a fundamental reform in Serbia.
“Dear Commissioner, be aware of the broad majority that in this House is seeing this clearly and supports you, so feel supported in being impartial, not neutral, in supporting those pushing for real reform and to tell the truth to the government and the people,” highlighted MEP Thijs Reuten.
