The visit of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa in Brussels on December 10 follows the European Commission president’s earlier visit to Belgrade on October 15. According to EU Ambassador to Serbia Andreas von Beckerat, the purpose of these visits was to review Serbia’s progress in reforms and the EU accession process.
Von Beckerat recalled that the Commission president described her meeting with Vučić as “good and meaningful,” emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate reforms, particularly in the areas of rule of law and media freedom. The ambassador also highlighted the EU’s ongoing support for Serbia’s efforts to diversify energy sources to reduce dependence on Russian imports, as well as progress on key reforms, including the creation of a single voter registry and the election of the REM Council—crucial steps for restoring trust in the media environment.
Geopolitics and the EU Enlargement Momentum
“Stability in the region is a top EU priority, and there is currently clear momentum in the enlargement process,” Von Beckerat said. “Serbia must seize this opportunity, because this geopolitical momentum may not last. Now is the moment to back words about EU accession with concrete actions. Enlargement is not just symbolic—it is a strategic investment in a more stable, secure, and united Europe in light of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. But this requires Serbia to do its part and implement necessary reforms.”
Von Beckerat emphasized that the EU’s approach does not place security above values. “I reject the notion that security comes before values. The protection of human rights, democracy, and media freedom is itself integral to security. Serbia must understand that upholding these values is essential not just for the EU, but for the stability and resilience of its own society.”
Disinformation and Anti-EU Rhetoric in Serbia
Von Beckerat criticized the Serbian authorities for failing to act decisively against widespread disinformation and anti-EU rhetoric. “Disinformation is rampant in Serbia, often amplified by domestic media. False narratives have been spread about so-called ‘color revolutions,’ the phasing out of Russian gas, and even symbolic acts like the orange fist in the European House, all distorted to create fear and confusion among the public,” he said.
“The Serbian authorities have repeatedly been warned to put an end to this misleading and anti-European propaganda. Yet, they continue to allow media outlets to reinforce lies and conspiracy theories, undermining reforms, investor confidence, and the country’s path toward EU membership,” Von Beckerat added.
He concluded by underlining that the rule of law, anti-corruption measures, and a level playing field for all businesses are essential for attracting investment. “The EU supports Serbia in implementing these reforms, but progress depends entirely on Serbia’s willingness to act. Continued obstruction, manipulation of information, and tolerance of anti-EU narratives will only delay the country’s integration and harm its credibility on the European stage,” he warned.
