Serbia needs to significantly accelerate rule of law reforms and consistently implement the adopted laws on the media and the unified voter list, according to the draft conclusions of the EU Council of Ministers on Serbia and the enlargement process.
As Danas reports, the Draft recalls the European Commission's assessment that Serbia is technically ready to open Group 3 of negotiations on competitiveness and inclusive growth, but emphasizes that the EU Council will return to this topic at a later date, without specifying a deadline for opening the group.
The document mentions that member states will decide on further steps based on Serbia's additional progress, especially on the rule of law and the normalization of relations with Pristina, in accordance with the negotiating framework and the progress report for 2025.
In the draft, the EU expresses concern about the tensions and “deep polarization” in Serbian society, obstacles in the field of freedom of expression and media, and calls for concrete reforms in the rule of law. The European Union welcomes that European integration remains a strategic interest of Serbia, but emphasizes that Belgrade must prove this “in words and deeds”, by demonstrating political will and clear communication about the integration process.
The European ministers also mention the "massive protests" that took place in Serbia after the incident at the Novi Sad train station. Although it is assessed that freedom of assembly is generally respected, it is emphasized that it needs to be strengthened and that the safety of journalists must be guaranteed. Reports of excessive use of force during the protests require a full and impartial investigation.
Serbia is invited to create conditions for inclusive dialogue with all stakeholders, including civil society, and to ensure the protection of fundamental rights, media freedom and minority rights. The EU welcomes the adoption of new media laws, but calls for their implementation “in letter and spirit”.
Serbia should also urgently complete the appointment of members of the REM Council and engage in combating disinformation and external manipulation. The European Union assesses that there has been no progress in the area of justice, while there has been limited progress in the fight against corruption and organized crime.
The Council welcomes the amendments to the law on the Unified Voters' List, but underlines the importance of proper implementation, in particular through the revision of the voter list. Serbia is encouraged to adopt the remaining ODIHR and Council of Europe recommendations on the electoral process.
In the section on the Kosovo–Serbia dialogue, it is clearly stated that the progress of both sides towards the EU will depend on the full implementation of the Agreement on the Road to Normalization and the Ohrid Annex, as well as all previous agreements, “without delay and without conditions”. Serbia is expected to recognize Kosovo’s documents and symbols under the 2023 agreement and not to oppose Kosovo’s membership in international organizations, as stipulated in Article 4 of the agreement.
The EU is seeking a coordinated and transparent solution to the status of Serbian-funded public services in Kosovo, such as education and health. At the same time, it expects Serbs to return to Kosovo institutions at all levels – from the judiciary to the police.
The Council expresses "deep concern" that Serbia has not met expectations regarding accountability for the armed attack in Banjska in September 2023.
The draft also mentions concerns about issuing Serbian passports to Russian citizens through an expedited procedure, which is considered a potential risk to EU security.
While appreciating Serbia's increased alignment with EU foreign policy, it is requested that Serbia move more quickly towards full alignment, especially with sanctions against Russia and Belarus. Serbia is also invited to avoid actions and statements that contradict EU strategic positions.
The assistance that Belgrade offers to Ukraine is welcomed, as is possible cooperation to prevent the circumvention of European sanctions.
According to the Council, Serbia presents a "good level of preparation" for fulfilling the economic criteria and developing a functioning market economy.
Belgrade was encouraged to continue with structural reforms and strengthen capacities to cope with competition within the EU market. /Telegraph/
