MEPs regret 'sonic cannon' protest claims, eye China ties and EU funds

Members of the European Parliament are pushing for amendments to a resolution on Serbia, highlighting concerns over alleged intimidation tactics and political cooperation. Several amendments, co-authored by MEPs Tonino Picula and Vladimir Bilčik, express regret over a campaign to falsely accuse participants of a March 15, 2025, protest in Belgrade of simulating the use of a "sonic cannon."

The MEPs also condemn accusations against European lawmakers, labeling them as spreading false news about the protest. They are particularly worried about the ruling party in Serbia's cooperation with China's Communist Party, as detailed in an amendment concerning Article 9 of the draft resolution, which addresses security and defense cooperation with China.

Further amendments address the potential suspension of EU pre-accession funds for Serbia. One amendment argues that cutting funds would primarily punish the Serbian population, rural areas, and vulnerable groups, rather than the ruling political elite. It also warns that such financial pressure could drive Serbia towards non-European investors, including Chinese state-owned consortia with lower social and environmental standards.

Additional amendments from other MEPs touch upon the division within Serbian public opinion regarding EU membership, citing concerns about resource exploitation, youth emigration, and the loss of cultural identity. Another amendment reminds that the Serbian people clearly chose their government in the December 2023 parliamentary elections.

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Evropski parlament izražava žaljenje zbog kampanje zastrašivanja mirnih studenata, novinara i aktivista koju sprovode srpske vlasti, a koja se oslanja na kontroverzni izveštaj ruske Federalne službe bezbednosti (FSB) kako bi se učesnici protesta lažno optužili za upotrebu zvučnog topa tokom protesta 15. marta 2025. na Trgu Slavija u Beogradu