Serbia's EU path focus signals unique problems, says ex-envoy

Serbia's EU accession path is set for debate in the European Parliament, with lawmakers scheduled to vote on progress reports for Serbia, Ukraine, and Moldova. The heightened attention on Serbia has been interpreted by former Ambassador Branka Latinović as a sign that the country faces distinct challenges compared to other candidates, including Ukraine and Moldova.

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This is generally not a good sign for Serbia, because it means that Serbia is singled out with its problems in relation to other candidate countries.

Latinović noted that the European Parliament's focus on Serbia is "generally not a good sign" because it indicates Serbia is singled out with its problems. She highlighted criticisms within the EU report, specifically mentioning an "un-European vocabulary" that is highly critical and offensive towards EU officials. The report also notes an increase in praise for Russia and China, alongside the U.S., which Latinović believes weakens Serbia's position.

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The "un-European vocabulary" is noted, which is very critical and offensive towards many EU officials.

The report emphasizes that the EU path for candidate countries is based on merit, with a particular focus on democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental human rights. Latinović connected this to concerns raised by some EU member states regarding the state of law in Serbia, particularly from countries like the Netherlands, which has historically scrutinized Serbia's progress. This scrutiny extends beyond the rule of law to Serbia's overall political trajectory.

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The EU path for a candidate country is based on merit, and they particularly focus on three areas – the issue of democracy, the complex of the rule of law, and respect for fundamental human rights.

According to Latinović, the EU is signaling that a "balancing act" is no longer acceptable. Serbia is expected to distance itself from countries not aligned with the European path, such as Russia and China. The report also pointedly mentions that the EU accession process is merit-based, with specific focus on democracy, the rule of law, and human rights.

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The EU is communicating that the "policy of balancing" is no longer permissible, and that Serbia needs to distance itself from countries that are not in line with the European path, i.e., from Russia and China.