cross-posted from: https://scribe.disroot.org/post/10020334

MEPs argue that Serbia’s EU accession negotiations should only advance when there has been measurable and sustainable progress in areas such as the rule of law, free and fair elections, the fight against corruption and organised crime, judicial independence, media freedom, public administration reform, and the improved functioning of democratic institutions. Concerned about its “appeasing approach” towards Serbia, MEPs want the Commission to reflect any significant regression in the pace and intensity of reforms in Serbia in the financial support the EU provides under its pre-accession funding instruments.

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MEPs deplore Serbia’s close ties with Russia and its deepening security and defence cooperation with China, which raise concerns about the country’s strategic orientation. They stress that full alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy remains a non-negotiable requirement for accession, including alignment with the EU’s restrictive measures against Russia.

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MEPs point to the low level of public support for EU membership in Serbia, driven by a long standing, manipulative, anti-EU narrative spread by government-controlled media, as well as by some senior Serbian officials and members of the governing party, including at the highest level. They call on the EU to enhance cooperation with Serbian non-governmental organisations to strengthen democratic resilience and counter hybrid threats.

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“Serbia’s EU accession process has effectively stalled, due to democratic backsliding, weakened rule of law, failure to implement key reforms and lack of alignment with EU foreign policy,” MEP Tonino Picula says.

"Despite continually reaffirming its strategic commitment, Serbia’s political leadership has so far demonstrated limited political will to undertake reforms or to align with the values and policies required for accession.”