European Parliament member Irena Joveva has said that financial assistance from the European Union should not be viewed as a reward or punishment for citizens, but rather as a conditional tool linked to governance standards and the rule of law.
In an interview published on 15 April 2026, Joveva addressed ongoing debates in Serbia regarding potential restrictions on EU financial support amid concerns over democratic backsliding and institutional governance.
She stressed that members of the European Parliament are not “foreign actors,” arguing that they are part of the same political space Serbia aspires to join. According to her, it is both legitimate and necessary for EU institutions to assess the state of democracy, media freedom, and the rule of law in candidate countries.
Joveva stated that discussions about potential suspension or limitation of EU funds are not based on isolated political decisions or single legislative acts, but on broader systemic issues, including what she described as the erosion of democratic standards.
“These are not arbitrary conditions,” she noted, adding that EU funds represent taxpayers’ money and are tied to agreed rules and obligations that candidate countries commit to when pursuing membership.
She also rejected claims that possible reductions in EU funding would constitute punishment for citizens, arguing that funds remain available but are conditional on compliance with agreed standards.
Commenting on criticism from Serbian officials who accused EU representatives of interference, Joveva said such claims undermine public understanding of EU institutions and their role in enlargement policy. She emphasized that evaluation of democratic standards is not interference, but part of political responsibility within the EU framework.
Joveva further advocated for what she described as “smart conditionality,” suggesting that targeted measures would be more effective than broad financial restrictions, ensuring that support reaches citizens while addressing governance concerns.
She concluded that responsibility for Serbia’s current political challenges lies within domestic decision-making, not external actors, and that any political consequences reflect internal governance choices rather than external pressure.
