Tonino Picula, the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Serbia, has welcomed the firmer and clearer tone of the European Commission regarding Serbia in this year’s EU Enlargement Report, noting that the European Parliament has repeatedly warned about the growing polarization and erosion of democratic standards in the country.
“Just two weeks ago, we adopted a resolution strongly opposing state violence against peaceful demonstrators, the intimidation of journalists and civil society organizations, and the misuse of reforms for political gain,” Picula said during a meeting of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, where EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos presented sections of the progress report for EU candidate countries.
Picula emphasized that these assessments are rooted in the real situation on the ground, where corruption and impunity remain not only political challenges but also issues of deep social injustice.
“We need to examine your report in more detail, but what we’ve heard confirms what many have been saying — that Serbia’s leadership must demonstrate genuine political will and determination to implement reforms, because mere promises of commitment are not enough,” Picula stated.
He stressed that “there can be no more promises about reforms — only their concrete implementation,” especially in the areas of media freedom, judiciary independence, and electoral reforms in line with OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.
Picula also pointed to the negative campaign against the EU coming from top Serbian officials and pro-government media, saying that such rhetoric undermines public trust in the European Union.
According to him, alignment with EU foreign and security policy remains essential, since a candidate country cannot balance between multiple sides. He also underlined the need for tangible results in the dialogue with Kosovo.
“My message to the Serbian authorities is clear — show real progress, not more excuses,” Picula concluded.
