Thijs Reuten, a prominent Member of the European Parliament (S&D), has warned that the European Union is closer than ever to freezing financial aid to Serbia due to dramatic democratic backsliding and the regime’s crackdown on independent media.
In an interview with Savremena Politika in Brussels on April 27, 2026, Reuten discussed the recent testimony of Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos before the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET). Kos confirmed that the European Commission is currently evaluating whether Serbia still meets the criteria for receiving funds under the EU’s Reform Agenda.
Funds Under Threat: Beyond Rhetoric
Reuten emphasized that the time for “evaluations and discussions” is over. He argued that the EU must move toward concrete actions, as the conditions tied to financial aid are being systematically violated by the Belgrade government.
- The Narrative Trap: Reuten dismissed the Serbian government’s claim that the EU wants to punish its citizens. Instead, he argued that current funds are being mismanaged and do not reach the people.
- The Message to Vučić: “The message to President Vučić is that this is becoming very serious,” Reuten stated, suggesting that a formal decision to halt payments could be justified by solid evidence of non-compliance.
The War on Media: The N1/United Group Case
A significant portion of the interview focused on the fate of N1 and Nova S, the last remaining independent television stations in Serbia. Reuten drew direct parallels between Aleksandar Vučić’s tactics and those of Hungary’s Viktor Orbán.
“This is not a commercial issue; it is a conscious attempt to take control over media freedoms,” Reuten said, referring to the government’s pressure on United Group.
He warned that if N1 falls under state control or is neutralized, the possibility of “free and fair” elections in Serbia effectively vanishes. He called on the European Commission to abandon its neutral stance and publicly support journalists facing intimidation.
Academics and Students: The New Frontline
Reuten also addressed the recent appeal by the Rector of the University of Belgrade, Vladan Đokić, regarding the safety of students and professors.
- Academic Freedom: Reuten praised the Rector for standing up against the surveillance and tracking of students.
- The Climate of Fear: He noted that the lack of a “safe environment” for education is a symptom of a deeper societal crisis in Serbia.
The End of “Stabilocracy”
Reuten offered a scathing critique of the EU’s long-standing policy of appeasing Vučić in hopes of regional stability—a concept often called “stabilocracy.”
| Policy | Reuten’s Assessment |
| Stabilocracy | Counterproductive; it spreads instability across the region. |
| New “Operating Team” | A repetitive PR move; “Show us results, not another committee.” |
| EU Skepticism | Understandable; citizens see the EU cooperating with a regime that makes their lives harder. |
A Call for Concrete Results
Reuten concluded by stating that while the EU remains “on the side of Serbian citizens,” it cannot continue to fund a system that actively dismantles democratic institutions. He expressed hope that if a genuine political shift occurs, the public mood toward the EU will improve as people finally see the tangible benefits of real reform.
