Tonino Picula, the European Parliament’s Rapporteur for Serbia, has sharply criticized European Union institutions for their inconsistent approach towards Serbia. He highlighted that leaders within the European Council and Commission hold diverging views on developments in the country.
In a statement reported by N1, Picula emphasized democratic backsliding in Serbia and called for a clearer, more unified EU stance. “European institutions must see what is happening in Serbia and that Serbia and its President, Aleksandar Vučić, are taking steps backward regarding democratic standards,” he declared.
Condemning “Serbian World” and Internal EU Discrepancies
Describing the concept of a “Serbian world” as dangerous, Picula underscored that the Western Balkans belong to the European Union, “not imaginary projects under Serbia’s umbrella.”
He further pointed out discrepancies within the EU itself regarding its approach to Serbia. “Why is the European Parliament the only EU institution that critically examines the situation in Serbia? Others, like the European Commission and partly the European Council, have different approaches. Why? It would be good to address the leaders of these institutions,” Picula questioned.
He stressed the need for a common and balanced EU position toward Serbia, reminding that democratic values are at the heart of the Union. “We must level and standardize our approach to Serbia because the EU is not just a community that shares important characteristics like the common market and currency – it is also a community of shared values and risks. And I don’t see the Serbian leadership following these values – they are more interested in European funds,” he concluded.
