European Parliament Resolution Highlights Serbia's Lack of Progress, Calls for Respect of Values

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution stating that Serbia's path toward European Union membership is hindered by insufficient progress on crucial reforms and commitments. The resolution emphasizes that the EU accession process is merit-based and contingent upon Serbia's complete adherence to EU values, democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.

Despite some partial implementation of recommendations, the resolution notes that core commitments remain largely unfulfilled, raising serious concerns about Serbia's readiness to join the EU. The parliament criticized the Serbian government's inflammatory rhetoric targeting countries that did not support the opening of Cluster 3 negotiations. It also deplored the disconnect between Serbia's stated ambition for EU membership and its actual policies, urging Belgrade to demonstrate a sustained and tangible commitment to aligning with EU standards and values.

Furthermore, the resolution calls for a clear and consistent orientation toward the EU, stressing full alignment with the EU's common foreign and security policy, particularly regarding sanctions against Russia's aggression in Ukraine. The parliament condemned Serbia's close ties with Russia and China, viewing them as undermining Serbia's credibility on its EU path. Deep concern was expressed over Serbia's deepening partnership with Russia, including investments and military cooperation, citing the recent visit of a Russian official on EU sanctions lists and ongoing Russian military and intelligence activities.

The resolution urges Serbia to close the Russian-Serbian Humanitarian Center in Niš and cease all military cooperation with Russia. Serbia's military build-up, including the acquisition of Chinese missiles, is seen as destabilizing and incompatible with EU accession objectives. The parliament also condemned Serbia's role as a base for Russian intelligence and sabotage activities in Europe. It expressed deep concern over increasing military developments, hostile rhetoric toward neighboring countries, and the expansion of Chinese security and surveillance technology within Serbia, actions that undermine regional stability and the credibility of Serbia's EU aspirations.

Additionally, the resolution criticizes Serbia's limited progress across numerous negotiation chapters and highlights ongoing issues such as systemic corruption, erosion of democratic norms, and the rollback of fundamental rights. The political crisis marked by mass protests since November 2024, driven by public frustration over corruption and lack of accountability, was also condemned. The investigation into the 2024 collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy was criticized for its lack of transparency and progress, with calls for full accountability and judicial independence. The Parliament stressed that the best way to resolve Serbia's political crisis is through genuinely free and fair elections.