Andreas Schieder, head of the SPÖ delegation in the European Parliament, stated that there is growing support within the European People’s Party (EPP) to expel the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) due to the current situation in Serbia.
According to Schieder, even within the conservative EPP, where SNS and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić are members, voices are becoming louder that Vučić no longer fits into the party’s values.
“More and more voices are saying: ‘We must expel Vučić from the EPP’. This shows that what is happening in Serbia is not acceptable – the police and hooligans beating innocent citizens and students protesting on the streets. We also demand that those who committed such crimes or called for violence should no longer be allowed to enter the EU. We must support the pro-European side, which is the people of Serbia,” Schieder emphasized.
He added that the opposition in Serbia is calling for a broad democratic renewal through elections, but only free and fair elections, not manipulated ones. For this reason, Schieder stressed that ODIHR recommendations must be implemented before new elections take place.
Schieder also underlined that the EU must take a stronger stance against Vučić’s regime, pointing out that criticism from the European Commission is often milder than the one coming directly from the European Parliament.
“It is crucial that the EP sends a clear and broad message, not just from the Social Democrats, but also from liberals, Greens, and even conservatives. In recent weeks, even Austrian officials – including the foreign minister and the prime minister – have been very critical. The Commissioner for Enlargement clearly said that EU accession works only if democracy is respected and strengthened. What is happening in Serbia right now is the opposite,” he said.
Schieder stressed that Vučić is distancing Serbia from the EU and highlighted that Serbian citizens, civil society, and students are ready to take responsibility for restoring democracy by forming a united front.
He also confirmed that the European Parliament has mechanisms to support democratic processes in Serbia, including sending commissions to monitor and assist during times of political crisis.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the nomination of Serbian students for the Sakharov Prize is a clear message of support and a sign that their fight for democracy is being recognized at the European level.
“This nomination is a signal to the authorities that their actions are not in line with the rule of law. It is also support for students, many of whom are unjustly imprisoned and must be released. This is a cry for peace,” Schieder concluded.
