Vula Ceci, Co-President of the European Greens, commented on the internal investigation launched by the European People’s Party (EPP) against the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS). She asserted that there is no place in the EPP for a governing party that treats its own citizens the way the SNS does.
Concerns Over EPP Credibility and Democracy in Serbia
Ceci stated that if the Christian Democrats (EPP) approach the investigation seriously, they will quickly reach the same conclusion as the Greens. If they do not, it will raise questions about the credibility of not only the Christian Democrats but the EU as a whole, as the EPP is the largest political group and holds the presidency of the European Commission. She emphasized that the EU cannot remain silent about the situation in Serbia.
The Euro-MP believes that the current Serbian government will face problems if certain things don’t change. She views the EPP investigation as the “start of a surveillance process” of the SNS, noting that if the situation does not improve, the Serbian government will be in trouble. She recalled that it took the Christian Democrats years to resolve their relationship with Viktor Orbán’s Fidesz party.
The Turning Point in Novi Sad
Ceci identified her recent attendance at a protest in Novi Sad as a turning point. She highlighted the “great paradox” of President Vučić returning from meetings with the leaders of China and Russia while simultaneously insulting her and her colleague as European citizens. She said this gap was too deep for the EU to ignore.
She spoke about the “terrible” experience of witnessing such violence and lies directed at them, stating that they saw the conditions under which many people in Serbia live every day. She stressed that the European Commission and the European Council must ensure that any future elections in Serbia are held under the best and fairest conditions possible.
The Need for Dialogue and International Attention
Ceci argues that while dialogue is theoretically important, it’s impossible when the current government does not engage in dialogue with its own citizens, who fear repression. She believes free elections are the proper path forward.
She is critical of the European Commission for being “too cautious,” thinking that maintaining close relations and ignoring democratic issues will keep Serbia on the European path. She argues this is a mistake, and to truly help Serbia continue accession talks, the EU must apply the same criteria used for all other expansion countries. Ceci affirmed that she and her partners will continue to bring members of the European Parliament to Serbia to inform the rest of Europe about the situation.
