The European Democratic Party (EDP) has strongly condemned remarks made by Serbia’s Minister of Public Administration and Local Self-Government, Snežana Paunović, who stated that if she had been in the position of former Serbian President Slobodan Milošević in 1998, she would have “ethnically cleansed Kosovo.”
In a statement published on X, the European Democrats described the minister’s comments as “outrageous and completely unacceptable,” arguing that they amount to an open endorsement of forced displacement, persecution, and crimes against humanity.
“Serbian Minister Snežana Paunović’s claim that she would have ‘ethnically cleansed Kosovo’ is outrageous and entirely unacceptable. It amounts to an open endorsement of forced displacement, persecution, and crimes against humanity, legitimizing the very policies for which Slobodan Milošević was indicted,” the EDP stated.
Sandro Gozi, Secretary General of the European Democratic Party, called on Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to unequivocally condemn the minister’s remarks and take immediate action.
“President Aleksandar Vučić must clearly condemn these statements and ensure her immediate dismissal,” Gozi said.
According to the European Democrats, Serbia cannot credibly claim to be committed to European Union membership while members of its government revive the rhetoric and ideology associated with the Milošević era.
“Serbia cannot credibly claim to be committed to EU membership while members of its government revive the rhetoric and ideology of the Milošević era,” the statement continued.
The EDP stressed that respect for European values begins with the unequivocal rejection of any language that promotes or justifies ethnic cleansing, without ambiguity or excuses.
The party’s reaction follows growing international condemnation of Paunović’s comments, which have triggered strong responses in Kosovo and across European institutions.
Earlier, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos also denounced the statement, declaring that there is no place in Europe for rhetoric that justifies or glorifies ethnic cleansing, while urging Serbia’s political leadership to act responsibly and refrain from inflammatory language.
