The European Parliament (EP) today adopted a resolution assessing that Serbia, despite some progress, still needs to overcome significant obstacles on its path towards the European Union (EU), primarily the improvement of internal political dialogue, reforms in the area of the rule of law and the fight against corruption, reaching a comprehensive agreement on the normalization of relations with Kosovo, as well as full alignment with EU foreign policy.
The resolution by EP rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, was adopted with 419 votes in favor, 113 against, and 88 abstentions, at a session in Strasbourg.
The report and resolution by Tonino Picula represent the European Parliament’s response to the European Commission’s Reports on Serbia for 2023 and 2024, but also take into account the latest developments in the country, including student protests, which, it is assessed, were marked by concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law.
The text also emphasizes that ensuring the independence of key institutions, including the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM), and the full implementation of the recommendations of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and the Council of Europe bodies regarding electoral reforms, through a transparent and inclusive process and well before any new elections, also remain of key importance.
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Deep concern is expressed regarding the systemic problems pointed out by student protests and other protests in Serbia, such as issues of civil liberties, separation of powers, corruption, environmental protection, institutional and financial transparency, especially in relation to infrastructure projects, and accountability.
The EP confirms that the students’ demands are in line with the reforms expected of Serbia on its European path.
It is also noted that the mass protests held on March 15 in Belgrade “represent the largest protests in Serbia’s modern history and calls for an impartial investigation into allegations that illegal mass control technology was used against demonstrators, as a result of which several were injured.”
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Source: N1, Photo: Pixabay