Radomir Lazović, co-leader of the Green-Left Front, said that increasingly sharp criticism from the European Union toward Serbian authorities is beneficial for citizens, as it signals that Aleksandar Vučić is losing the international support he has often highlighted.
His remarks followed the presentation of a report by the European Parliament, after a delegation visited Serbia earlier this year. According to Lazović, the report confirms that Serbia is not making progress toward EU membership.
“We have seen clear support from the European Parliament for citizens in their struggle for a functional state,” Lazović said, adding that the criticism reflects the reality of political conditions in Serbia. He accused Vučić of pursuing a “multi-directional strategy” to maintain power rather than genuinely advancing toward EU integration.
Lazović argued that citizens benefit from this shift because it undermines the government’s narrative of strong backing from European partners. “It is now evident that citizens of Serbia, not the authorities, have support in Europe,” he said, calling on the EU to continue offering political backing to democratic movements rather than supporting what he described as an authoritarian system.
He also stated that Serbia could join the EU by 2032 if there is a change of government in upcoming elections. However, he cautioned against suspending EU accession talks, describing such a move as harmful and difficult to reverse. Instead, he advocated continued negotiations alongside stronger political pressure on the authorities.
Lazović noted that additional measures—such as potential sanctions against individuals in power and reconsideration of ties with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party within European political groups—could influence developments in Serbia.
Commenting on internal political dynamics, he said ideological differences among students and citizens are a normal feature of a democratic society. He also warned that if the current government remains in power after future elections, Serbia could face increased repression and further democratic decline.
Lazović added that opposition representatives plan to engage with European officials in cities such as Brussels, Paris, Berlin, Stockholm, and Oslo to highlight concerns about governance in Serbia.
