DUTCH MEP: EU Has Given Vučić Too Much Leeway to Destroy Democracy in Serbia

“Autocrats demand a clear response, not just diplomatic solutions and compromises, and Aleksandar Vučić is no exception. The EU has given Vučić too much leeway for too long to continue destroying democracy in Serbia,” stated Dutch Member of the European Parliament Thijs Reuten, as reported by N1.

He expressed support for all journalists in Serbia facing threats, especially those from N1 television, and assessed that these attacks are “part of a broader policy process by President Vučić.”

Dutch MEP Thijs Reuten recently called on European Union representatives to respond to a letter from the parents of student Pavle Cicvarić and use their influence to ensure all political prisoners in Serbia are released.

“There are four things the EU should do in such cases because it’s a broader trend. The EU should react clearly and publicly, hold discussions with representatives of the Serbian Government, and record all of it so we have that data and can include it in European Parliament reports in future discussions,” Thijs Reuten told N1.

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“Citizens Crave the Rule of Law”

He also stated that it is clear there is “growing dissatisfaction with the policies and actions of Vučić’s regime” in Serbia.

“Citizens crave the rule of law; that is, accountability, anti-corruption measures, an end to nepotism. Frankly, I don’t blame them, and I think President Vučić still hopes the protests will die down, that he still has EU support, and once international attention fades, he hopes to use violence against demonstrators, and we must prevent that,” Reuten said.

He assessed that the EU does not have a sufficiently clear stance towards people “with autocratic tendencies or those who are complete autocrats.”

“Autocrats demand a clear and direct response, not just diplomatic solutions and compromises, and Vučić is no exception. For him, clear answers are needed, and unfortunately, the EU has given Vučić too much leeway for too long to continue destroying democracy in Serbia,” Reuten stated.

“EU Sees Vučić as a Factor of Stability – That’s Wrong”

He added that he believes the EU has done this because it “still sees Aleksandar Vučić as a factor of stability in the region.”

“I think that’s wrong, and it’s giving the role of a pyromaniac in a fire brigade. We must stop this indulgence now; we must be realistic and cannot look away from negative situations,” Reuten emphasized.

Answering whether he agrees with assessments that the EU prioritizes its economic interests over the fundamental values on which it rests, he said it is clear that such tendencies exist.

“Yes, unfortunately, I think we see such tendencies. It’s perfectly fine to have economic ties, but you cannot sacrifice your principles. This means that if you do business, you must ensure that basic community requirements are respected. Also, when you conclude a lithium mining contract, which was not the case,” Reuten stated.

Years of Economic Development Haven’t Brought Reform Progress

He added that the EU believed that “through economic influence and economic progress, reforms would come to Serbia.”

“The reality is that this is not happening. We haven’t seen that effect. Years of economic development in Serbia have not brought significant progress in terms of the rule of law, media freedom, or civil society. We must be firm on reforms, but also maintain economic relations, but not at the expense of our fundamental values,” Reuten said.

Commenting on the attacks on independent media in Serbia, he said he offers full support to all journalists who have been subjected to threats.

“Especially your colleagues from your television. This is part of President Vučić’s broader policy process, unfortunately. Freedom of expression, media freedoms are key foundations of a healthy democratic society. That is precisely what Vučić wants to jeopardize. I think it has come to the point that there are no more free media (in Serbia),” Reuten said.

He added that while formal guarantees for media pluralism exist in Serbia, it is not present in practice.

“I’m Sure We’ll Have Another Resolution on Serbia”

He said he believes that after the summer break, the European Parliament will adopt another resolution on Serbia.

“The European Parliament has been very vocal on Serbia. We recently had a report on Serbia’s progress, and I am sure that after the summer period, we will have another resolution on Serbia. I think there is a lot of support in the EU, across many parliamentary groups. So, it’s not just a matter of some individual groups,” Reuten said.

He added that the student demands are clear.

“The students’ demands are clear – it’s the implementation of the rule of law and fundamental rights; these are key things for the EU enlargement path. This is a call that cannot be ignored, and I believe that Vučić’s government should understand that it will not die down. We will certainly raise this again in the European Parliament, with the aim of supporting civil society and fighting for democracy and fundamental rights in Serbia,” Dutch MEP Thijs Reuten told N1.