EU Parliamentarians: Serbia's EU Path Blocked by Vučić; No Political Will for Alignment

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) engaged in a heated debate regarding Serbia's progress toward European Union membership, with a draft resolution highlighting the country's stagnation. The report, presented by standing rapporteur Tonino Picula, pointed to a decline in democracy and the rule of law as key obstacles.

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The problem on the path to the EU has a name – Aleksandar Vučić.

Andreas Schieder of the Social Democrats explicitly named Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić as the "problem on the path to the EU." He asserted that under Vučić's leadership, Serbia is regressing in democracy, media freedom, and transparency, while corruption is rising. Schieder also noted Serbia's perceived alignment with Moscow, citing ministerial visits to Iran, and suggested freezing future EU funds. He expressed "100% solidarity" with the protest movement in Serbia, where tens of thousands risk their lives weekly for a functioning state.

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While he is president, the country is regressing in democracy, media freedom, transparency, and the growth of corruption.

Davor Ivo Štir of the European People's Party expressed skepticism about Serbia's imminent alignment with the EU, stating there is "no political will" for it. He acknowledged Vučić's claims of reform capacity but highlighted Serbia's refusal to distance itself from Russia. Štir argued that Serbia's pursuit of an "independent policy" and "friendly relations with enemies of the EU" would hinder its membership progress, even if the EU accepts its decision. He suggested that parliamentary criticism had limited impact and proposed a "realistic approach" focusing on gradual integration in mutually beneficial areas like border management and energy.

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Serbia will not align with the EU - there is no political will - neither in the government nor in the opposition.

MEPs also discussed electoral reforms, with Schieder noting Vučić's mention of new elections but questioning their timing and fairness. He stressed the need for electoral laws that enable equitable elections and the implementation of recommendations from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the EP. Without these, Schieder warned, elections would yield similar outcomes to previous ones, likening the situation to a "magician's trick."

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If it maintains friendly relations with the enemies of the EU, Serbia will not make progress in its membership.