EDP Secretary General welcomes EU's review of aid to Serbia

From Brussels, the European Union's commitment to democratic principles is unwavering, and the recent statements by Commissioner Marta Kos regarding Serbia's funding under the Growth Plan reflect this. As Secretary General of the European Democratic Party, I fully support this rigorous approach. The remarks before the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs underscore a critical point: the integrity of the enlargement process hinges on genuine reform. Serbia's path towards EU membership cannot be paved with manipulated elections and compromised rule of law. The European Democratic Party has long advocated for a firm stance, and we are encouraged to see the Commission echoing these concerns. Free and fair elections are not a negotiable item; they are the bedrock of democratic societies and a prerequisite for any credible accession process. EU funds must serve as a catalyst for positive change, not as a reward for stagnation or regression. Therefore, freezing these funds until tangible reforms—including genuine electoral freedom, judicial independence, and media freedom—are implemented is not just a sensible policy, but a necessary one to maintain the credibility of the EU's enlargement agenda.

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Free and fair elections are the core issue. The manipulation and violence that have marred recent votes are incompatible with EU membership.