European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos expressed her commitment to Serbia, emphasizing the need to steer the country back onto a European trajectory.

During a meeting with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, she raised concerns over the accusations directed at non-governmental organizations (NGOs) within the nation.

“I regard it as my responsibility towards Serbia as a candidate country to help it get back on a European path, which has seen stagnation in recent months. I will consistently advocate for dialogue with politicians and those capable of effecting change. It’s crucial to identify who we can engage with in Serbia right now to implement the reforms that demonstrators, students, and the opposition are calling for. This was the essence of my discussion with President Vučić,” Kos stated in an interview featured on the Slovenian portal N1.

Kos and Vučić met on March 19 in Brussels, after which she described the encounter in a post on X as “constructive”.

This prompted backlash from Slovene politicians, with former MEP Klemen Grošelj labeling the announcement as “embarrassing for Slovenia”, while representatives from Slovene NGOs demanded a definitive condemnation of the Serbian regime.

Kos clarified that the post in question was authored by her team rather than her personally.

“It’s a collective effort involving 16 individuals in my office. I completely understand differing opinions about the post, but I urge you to consider my work beyond just 280 characters,” she remarked.

The EU Enlargement Commissioner underscored that Serbia has numerous steps to take before negotiations can resume.

“Key legislative reforms concerning media and electoral laws, among others, are essential. Additionally, I must address the Serbian government’s unfair treatment of NGOs. My role is to advocate for these changes, which I discussed with President Vučić. We need to ensure that Serbia implements necessary reforms so negotiations can proceed,” she evaluated.

Kos highlighted her efforts in preparing for a recent meeting between EC President Ursula von der Leyen and President Vučić, which was met with better public reception in Serbia as it addressed important issues like electoral reform and corruption combat.

“The European Commission operates as a team, and responsibilities are shared. I have consistently championed the reforms we expect from Serbia, which were reiterated by the EC President on Tuesday. We now have President Vučić’s assurances on those reforms. My role is to monitor their implementation, as progress on Serbia’s European path is contingent upon them,” she emphasized.

Kos noted that the demands of the student protesters align with those of the European Commission.

“The negotiation process is complex; Serbia has been a candidate since 2012. Many setbacks have occurred due to the complexity of the reforms and their varied implementation timelines,” Kos added, asserting that the EC’s job is to encourage and sometimes urge governments to pursue reforms.

“We’re discussing necessary electoral system reforms, which even protesters acknowledge as essential. There are also calls for the establishment of an electronic media regulator and two new media laws. Above all, the Serbian government must uphold the rule of law, human rights, and media freedom. These are the reforms Serbia must undertake to progress on its European path. No country—whether Serbia or another—can join the EU without honoring media freedoms, assembly rights, and supporting NGOs,” she stated.

Kos mentioned her recent communications with Serbian NGOs, some of which she had published while others remained confidential due to safety concerns for their representatives in Serbia.

“I raised my concerns with President Vučić regarding the violence and intimidation faced by NGOs. What other way is there but to meet with him and discuss it openly? Those who criticize my meeting with Vučić often also call for the EU to engage with Putin,” she remarked.

She reiterated her protest to the President about ongoing student blockades that had persisted for four months.

“Absolutely, I addressed this directly. It was not a one-on-one meeting; my team and his were present. I voiced my objection to his claims that the EU funds NGOs intending to destabilize his government. Indeed, the EU supports NGOs in Serbia engaged in the negotiation process. One condition for Serbia’s progress is consulting NGOs for their perspectives, and some would struggle without our financial support, which we have increased over the past two years,” she explained.

When asked about the timeline for Serbia to implement necessary reforms, Kos indicated it must be soon.

“This needs to occur imminently, as Serbia aims to open Cluster 3 in the first half of the year under the Polish presidency, which necessitates action within three to four weeks. I am vigilant about the unfolding situation,” Kos stressed.

She disclosed that discussions with Vučić included the country’s political climate, with uncertainty looming over potential elections or new government formations.

“Currently, the EC insists that Serbia amend its electoral laws to ensure fair elections—this is a form of pressure. Negotiating with Serbia is challenging, having engaged in discussions for 11 years. While reforms in economic development may be more straightforward, we remain cautious about fundamental issues like human rights, rule of law, and anti-corruption efforts,” she elaborated.

Kos reaffirmed that no nation, including Serbia, will gain EU membership without adhering to media freedoms, supporting NGOs, and upholding human rights.

She expressed admiration for the remarkable energy of the protesters.

“The claims of demonstrators, students, and others can only be realized when the Serbian populace elects its own leadership. The EU does not appoint heads of state or government, so Serbia’s future lies with its citizens,” she emphasized.

Kos acknowledged that the security situation during protests had been tense multiple times, appreciating the prudent actions of Serbian students during the March 15 rally in Belgrade.

“I hope the investigations, including one by the European Court of Human Rights, will reveal the truth. We have received conflicting accounts, and I possess direct information from NGOs detailing the events,” she mentioned concerning the potential use of a sound cannon during the recent protest.

Kos stated that in her previous four months in office, she had witnessed no concessions made towards Serbia amid the EU’s economic interests there.

“I cannot foresee how the EU could be lenient if specific reform demands are being made, which Serbia now must address. I understand differing opinions based on previous experiences. I have been the Commissioner for Enlargement for just four months, and I intend to demonstrate that complacency is no longer acceptable on the EU path. However, this does not mean the EU is unaware of how candidate countries can contribute to the EU’s security and defense, as well as their economic development, enabling a stronger collective European defense,” she added.

Discussing Serbia’s relations with Russia and China, Kos noted that Vučić’s attendance at the military parade in Moscow on May 9 would not aid Serbia’s European ambitions, accompanying hopes that pro-Russian politician Aleksandar Vulin will not join the new Serbian government.

“Engaging with Moscow will undeniably hinder Serbia’s European journey. Likewise, President Vučić’s participation in the Moscow military parade on May 9 will not assist. We are closely monitoring such actions, and they will impact our evaluation on Serbia’s path,” Kos remarked about the alignment of Serbia’s foreign policy with EU standards.

When asked about a recent interview with RIA Novosti by former Security Information Agency (BIA) Director Aleksandar Vulin, who credited Russian intelligence with assistance during student protests and claimed Serbia would never join the EU, Kos replied,

“I hope Mr. Vulin will not be in the new government. Someone who acts in an anti-European manner cannot simultaneously lead Serbia into the EU,” she stated.

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