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European Enlargement Commissioner: Serbian society deeply divided

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said, speaking at the plenary session of the European Parliament, that Serbian society remains deeply divided even ten months after the protest over the fall of the canopy at the Railway Station in Novi Sad.

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Newsmax Balkans

10.09.2025. 08:58

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European Enlargement Commissioner: Serbian society deeply divided
Foto: Tanjug/Miloš Milivojević

Speaking about the protests in Serbia, she added that society is filled with a sense of hatred and frustration and that all of this is reflected on the streets of Serbian cities.

"We expect that the actions of the police will be proportionate and in accordance with basic rights, and that these cases will be investigated as a priority. We also condemn all acts of hatred, vandalism and violence and continue to call on all parties to calm tensions," Kos emphasized, according to the statement.

She pointed out that respect for basic rights and values, including freedom of peaceful assembly, media freedom and academic freedom, are key elements of Serbia's path to the EU and everyone must commit to them.

"This also implies avoiding any violence against representatives of the authorities, as well as against the premises of political parties, as a means of political protest. The Commission has consistently emphasized the importance of respecting and proactively defending the independence of judicial institutions, and we condemn violence or threats against representatives of the judiciary, including the prosecution," the European Commissioner noted.

Kos noted that media freedom is one of the foundations of a democratic society and a fundamental right in the EU, therefore a key element and precondition of Serbia's EU accession process.

"In this context, the political and economic influences on Serbian media remain a serious concern and must be addressed. We expect Serbia to create conditions that enable media freedom and ensure that freedom of expression can be exercised without obstacles," she said.

She called for the calming of tensions and for the authorities to provide more and more space for journalists to freely express their views.

"Attacks to which journalists are exposed in the context of protests must stop, including reported cases involving the police, as well as verbal attacks by high-ranking officials. It is crucial that journalists can do their work without any threats of violence, harassment and intimidation, so that citizens have access to all information," Kos said in a statement.

As she pointed out, the Commission also emphasizes that the spread of misinformation and hostile political rhetoric, including against the EU and its citizens, is not in line with EU values and standards.

"Serbia is a candidate country for EU membership. We want a truly democratic Serbia in the EU, as enlargement commissioner, I am sincerely committed to that. We will continue constructive engagement and do everything possible to help Serbia advance on its path to EU accession. But for that to happen, concrete steps are needed in the area of democratic principles and reforms. President Aleksandar Vucic's participation in military parades in Moscow and Beijing, along with critical statements towards the EU and respected MPs, is not what is expected from a candidate country", pointed out Kos.

PROČITAJTE JOŠ

She added that the sincerity of Serbia's commitment to the European path and its political will to credibly implement the necessary reforms must be strengthened through communication and concrete actions.

"Serbia must step up its efforts and overcome the current stagnation in the implementation of key reforms. It is time to achieve concrete results in the fight against corruption and strengthening the rule of law, including the independence of the judiciary and freedom of the media, as well as in the field of electoral reforms. The Commission expects Serbia to provide conditions that enable the work of civil society. Independent voices must be heard and protected. Intimidation and pressure on civil society is not the way the Union functions and must not be tolerated," the European Commissioner pointed out.

She added that all these reform steps are crucial for Serbia's progress on the European path, and that they are necessary to get out of the current political stalemate and divisions in Serbian society.

"History has shown that democratic changes can only come from the country itself, through internal democratic processes. And this is what the Commission respects and is guided by. We support the ODIHR's recommendations on electoral legislation: especially the revision of voter lists. This would improve the political climate and could serve as an example that shows that progress is possible if there is a will and a constructive approach from all actors," she pointed out.

She added that it is essential for Serbia to create the conditions for a renewed dialogue between actors across the political spectrum and the entire society.

"In our opinion, it should be based on a new social consensus on key reforms. We hope to see steps towards dialogue regarding the election of the new REM Council and the successful completion of that procedure in the coming weeks. This is one of the obligations needed for opening Cluster 3," said Kos.

She concluded that joining the EU is a project of an entire society, and at the same time a joint responsibility of all political parties and other actors.

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Serbia EU Marta Kos European Commission

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