MEP Helmut Brandstetter has warned that Europe is closely monitoring Serbia, particularly regarding the treatment of independent media under President Aleksandar Vučić.
In a statement published on X, Brandstetter emphasized that rule of law and free media are essential prerequisites for continued dialogue with the Serbian government.
“Igor Božić, program director of N1, and other journalists have reported that the pressure on media by Vučić’s regime is becoming increasingly brutal,” Brandstetter wrote.
The statement comes amid protests in Serbia triggered by a tragic canopy collapse at a Novi Sad train station, which killed 16 people. Brandstetter stressed that while local authorities attempt to suppress the protests, Europe is closely watching Vučić’s actions.
“Vučić should know that Europe is watching him closely,” the MEP concluded.
