A delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) began talks in the Serbian National Assembly in Belgrade on January 23, focusing on issues highlighted in last year’s European Parliament (EP) resolutions on Serbia.
The delegation, led by Portuguese MEP Marta Temido, is discussing with government and parliamentary representatives the additional reforms needed to advance Serbia’s EU accession process. The MEPs will also meet with media representatives, civil society organizations, research centers, academics, and students to gather a wide range of perspectives.
The Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Parliament President Ana Brnabić did not meet the delegation, as both were abroad. Brnabić had previously claimed that the EP did not inform her of the visit in time, a point denied by the European Parliament.
During their visit, the MEPs, led by EP rapporteur for Serbia Tonino Picula, viewed an exhibition on Jasenovac in the central hall of the parliament. Serbian authorities had claimed the delegation “requested not to pass through the central hall where the Jasenovac exhibition is displayed,” but the MEPs insisted on observing the historical display.
Focus of Discussions
Meetings will address issues outlined in two previous EP resolutions. The October 2025 resolution highlighted polarization and increased repression in Serbia, one year after the Novi Sad tragedy, in which 16 people died following the collapse of a canopy.
The May 2025 resolution acknowledged some progress but stressed that Serbia still faces significant obstacles to EU accession. Key priorities include:
- Advancing internal political dialogue
- Implementing reforms in the rule of law and anti-corruption measures
- Achieving a comprehensive agreement on Kosovo relations
- Full alignment with EU foreign policy
MEPs also expressed serious concerns over systemic issues such as civil liberties, separation of powers, corruption, environmental protection, institutional and financial transparency, particularly regarding infrastructure projects.
Composition of the EP Delegation
The AFET Committee delegation includes:
- European People’s Party (EPP): Reinhold Lopatka (Austria), Davor Ivo Štir (Croatia), Rasa Juknevičiene (Lithuania)
- Socialists and Democrats: Marta Temido (Portugal), Tonino Picula (Croatia)
- Greens: Vladimir Prebilič (Slovenia)
- Renew Europe: Helmut Brandstätter (Austria)
- European Conservatives and Reformists: Șerban-Dimitrie Sturza (Romania)
- Europe of Sovereign Nations: Petr Bistron (Germany)
The delegation will remain in Belgrade until January 24, concluding their visit with a press conference. A formal report is expected following the mission.
