MEP: EU Parliament calls out Serbia's problems directly, unlike some in Brussels

Slovenian MEP Irena Joveva stated that the European Parliament (EP) is directly addressing Serbia's problems, unlike some in Brussels who she believes are overlooking issues in favor of opening negotiation clusters. "We call things by their real name," Joveva told Danas, commenting on the EP's resolution on Serbia and the Serbian authorities' reactions.

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While some in Brussels still want to open clusters rather than open their eyes to what has been happening in Serbia for almost two years now, or even longer, the EP nevertheless consistently addresses these problems without embellishment. We call things by their real name.

Joveva highlighted a noticeable discrepancy between the European Commission's approach and the EP's stance. While the Commission, through Commissioner Marta Kos, encouraged Serbia to open Cluster 3 and act on officials' statements, the EP adopted a harsher resolution based on Tonino Picula's report. "While some in Brussels still want to open clusters rather than open their eyes to what has been happening in Serbia for almost two years now, or even longer, the EP nevertheless consistently addresses these problems without embellishment," Joveva said.

She pointed out that problems with the rule of law, media freedom, electoral conditions, and institutional functioning are not new and have been flagged for years through EP reports. Joveva expressed regret over the mixed messages Serbia receives from Brussels, stating that such inconsistency confuses citizens and erodes trust in the European project. "This inconsistency helps neither Serbia nor the European Union. On the contrary, it creates confusion and further erodes citizens' trust in the European project," she noted.

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This inconsistency helps neither Serbia nor the European Union. On the contrary, it creates confusion and further erodes citizens' trust in the European project.

Joveva stressed the importance of the EP remaining consistent with its principles, asserting that discussing facts is not an act of hostility but a way to preserve the EU's credibility. "In that sense, I would say that the European Parliament is today protecting the image of the European Union. I am glad that this time some member states have joined us in this," she added. Regarding Serbia's alignment with EU foreign policy, Joveva acknowledged each sovereign state's right to its own foreign policy but emphasized that decisions carry value messages. For countries seeking EU membership, actions are closely watched, and membership involves aligning with common values and the Union's foreign and security policy, not just technical criteria.

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In that sense, I would say that the European Parliament is today protecting the image of the European Union. I am glad that this time some member states have joined us in this.