The draft report from the European Parliament (EP) regarding Serbia, prepared by the rapporteur Tonino Picula, expresses significant concern about systemic issues highlighted by the ongoing student protests in the country.

Scheduled for discussion in the EP Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) on February 20, the draft report points out issues regarding judicial independence, media freedom, and the fight against corruption, as reported by the N1 portal, which has obtained a copy of the document.

It is noted that the student protests symbolize deeper social issues, and the authorities’ response to these demonstrations could greatly impact Serbia’s European aspirations.

The document articulates serious concerns regarding civil liberties, institutional and financial transparency, and the political pressures faced by the academic community, as highlighted by the protests.

“The European Parliament emphasizes the importance of freedom of speech and assembly, strongly condemns the violent attacks on peaceful demonstrators, expresses concern over the arrests of some protesters, and urges EU diplomatic missions and member states to closely monitor the legal developments related to the protests,” states Picula’s report.

Additionally, the European Parliament firmly denounces the unfounded claims by Serbian authorities suggesting that EU member states are orchestrating student protests as part of a “color revolution.”

“In this context, the EP condemns the unlawful arrests and expulsions of EU citizens and the unauthorized disclosure of their personal data by convicted war criminals,” the draft report asserts.

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) will vote on the final report text during the plenary session in May.

The text underscores full support for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, welcoming the appointment of Peter Sorensen as the EU Special Representative for this process. It emphasizes the need to respect previously reached agreements and expresses disappointment that Serbia has yet to prosecute those responsible for the attack on Kosovo police officers in Banjska in September 2023.

“We expect Kosovo and Serbia to collaborate fully and take necessary actions to arrest and promptly bring to justice the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Banjska 2023. We express regret over Serbia’s failure to prosecute those responsible, particularly Milan Radoičić, and emphasize that accountability for the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Zubin Potok is also essential,” the text articulates.

The draft report highlights ongoing challenges regarding judicial independence, including undue influences on the judiciary, according to the European Western Balkans (EWB) portal, which also accessed the document.

Concern is raised over the insufficient progress towards meeting EU membership benchmarks, particularly in essential areas such as the rule of law, public administration reforms, and alignment with EU policies.

“The European Parliament regrets the lack of progress in Chapter 31, as Serbia’s alignment with the EU’s foreign policy remains largely unchanged. The EP urges Serbia to align itself promptly and consistently with the EU’s restrictive measures and overall policy toward Russia,” the draft report notes.

According to the N1 portal, Picula addresses media freedom issues, expressing concern over the transparency in media ownership and funding. He specifically condemns the initiation of operations by the Russian state media RT in Belgrade, seen as a sign of increasing Russian influence in the region.

Despite the introduction of a new Anti-Corruption Strategy for 2024-2028, limited progress has been noted in combating corruption, with concerns that it persists in numerous areas, according to the EWB.

Economically, some progress toward establishing a functional market economy is acknowledged, with continued gross domestic product growth, yet calls for more substantial reforms in labor markets, education, and public administration are reiterated.

Following the presentation of the report at the AFET meeting on February 20, EP Committee members will have the opportunity to propose amendments to Picula’s document. MEPs plan to vote on the final report text in May during the plenary session of the EP.

The last annual report on Serbia was approved by the European Parliament in May 2023, with Vladimir Bilčik acting as the rapporteur. The report was not adopted the previous year due to the European Parliamentary elections.

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