Serbia's Parliament Addresses REM After Long Stasis; EU Integration Hinges on Formation

Serbia's Parliament has finally turned its attention to the Regulatory Body for Electronic Media (REM), which has been without a council for over a year and a half. The formation of this body is a high priority for Brussels, which has repeatedly stated that REM's council, alongside judicial reforms and electoral law adjustments, is key to Serbia's progress in EU accession talks.

Decisions have been made regarding the potential return of council members who resigned. Rodoljub Šabić, one of the resigning members, stated that their official stance on their membership will be clarified once the Parliament officially votes. He anticipates a unified response regardless of the outcome.

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When the Parliament finally and officially makes a decision, we will present an official stance on our membership in the Council. We will respond in any case, but only after we officially see what they have done and how. I expect that, whatever the answer, it will be unified.

Political scientist Jovanka Matić suggests that the government is expediting the REM council's formation not only to unblock crucial processes for opening Cluster 3 of EU negotiations and accessing funds from the Growth Plan but also in anticipation of upcoming elections. She believes this is part of an effort to rehabilitate the government's damaged credibility regarding democratic elections.

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I would say that there is another reason, and that is the upcoming elections whenever they are, because the authorities are now in a campaign to rehabilitate their shaken credibility in democratic elections.

Saša Mirković from ANEM emphasizes that democracy and independence are imperative for REM, a goal that has proven nearly impossible in Serbia. He stresses the urgency of forming the council, calling it the "last train" for EU integration, and notes that it aligns with recommendations from ODIHR and the EU's foreign policy. The formation of the REM council is one of several critical points that need resolution.

Last year, the formation of the REM council was close to completion with eight members selected. However, the ruling majority did not vote for the ninth member, intended for minority representation, due to opposition from the Alliance of Vojvodinian Hungarians. Subsequently, four independent candidates resigned, leaving those positions vacant.

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Then we talk about ODIHR's recommendations and the adoption of laws, then there is the election of the REM Council as one of the points and the harmonization of Serbia with the EU's foreign policy. These are all very important things and the election of the REM Council is one of those points that clearly needs to be resolved, we'll see how it will be resolved.