The European Commissioner for the Extension of the European Union Marta Kosová on Tuesday in Belgrade called on the new Serbian government to advance in the democratic reforms necessary for EU membership. She stated that such changes are also striving for the citizens of this Balkan country, TASR reports according to AP report.
According to the Commissioner, the EU has a “unique opportunity … to complete the unification of Europe” and wants to accept Serbia and other candidate countries of the Western Balkans into its ranks. However, Belgrade must first carry out key reforms.
Need for reforms
Kosová called on Serbia to reform the justice in the fight against corruption, ensure the freedom of the media and guaranteed free and fair elections. “Without these changes, Serbia cannot progress on the European Road and I know that what we demand is very close to the requirements of citizens who are and have been in the streets,” she added.
The country is accompanied by several months of protests against corruption induced after the collapse of a concrete shelter at the railway station in Novi Sad in November 2024. The tragedy claimed 16 victims. It has evoked protests led by students demanding justice for victims and compliance with the rule of law.
A political newcomer in the government
“Democratic Serbia in the EU is possible and it is what citizens of Serbia wish and deserve,” Kosova said after meeting with the new Prime Minister Djur Macut. The political newcomer joined this post in early April.
Kosova also met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučič, whose critics blame for the suppression of democratic freedoms, including the pressure of protesting students.
Police protests and interventions
On the last incident on Monday in Novi Sad, the police using batons and tear sprays pushed protesters from the building of the sports faculty. Several people suffered injuries.
“I stressed our full readiness to accelerate the reform,” Vučič said on social networks, expressing the hope that Serbia will “use the existing dynamics and open a new stage in the process of European integration”.
Slowing the integration process
Western Balkan countries are located at different stages of access to the EU. The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 prompted European leaders to enforce faster entry of these countries in the fear of the region’s instability.
Serbia applied for EU membership in December 2009, granted him the status of a candidate country in March 2012. Recently, the approach process has slowed significantly.
