European Commissioner Marta Kos strongly condemned the insults directed by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić at Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) who attended a protest in Novi Sad on Friday. She described such attacks as reflecting a “questionable understanding of democracy” and warned that Serbia’s actions are damaging its international reputation.
“There is a problem in Belgrade,” Kos said following a meeting with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Majnl-Reisinger in Vienna. “Calling MEPs ‘scum’ demonstrates a questionable understanding of democracy. Statements from President Vučić and Prime Minister Brnabić against the EU will not improve Serbia’s standing in Europe.”
Kos reminded Serbian authorities of commitments made to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and emphasized the importance of delivering on promised reforms. She stressed that Serbia must focus on:
- An independent judiciary capable of fighting corruption
- Free and independent media
- Electoral laws ensuring that citizens’ votes alone determine parliamentary majorities
Kos also underlined that citizens have the right to protest, but warned that street violence and acts of vandalism must stop, expecting the police to act appropriately and with full respect for fundamental rights.
Vučić had called the attending MEPs “scum”, claiming they were “the worst of the worst” and accusing them of “brutally interfering in Serbia’s internal affairs.” He further threatened that anyone attempting to “destroy Serbia from abroad” would face legal prosecution under Serbian law.
