Serbia continues to face intense scrutiny from the European Union over its judicial reforms, as no solution has yet been reached for the Special Prosecutor’s Office (TOK). The European Commission has warned that failure to comply with EU standards could affect Serbia’s access to funding and slow down its accession process.
Last week, National Assembly President Ana Brnabić formally requested an opinion from the Venice Commission regarding amendments to the country’s judicial laws, amid criticism that the changes—drafted by MP Uglješa Mrdić—were submitted without proper EU consultation or a public review process.
“Despite claims that international standards were considered, the amendments fail to address key problems in the work of the High Prosecutorial Council (VST), including sanctions for ministers who boycott its proceedings,” the report noted.
Justice Minister Nenad Vujić attempted to justify the approach in Brussels, emphasizing that MPs have the right to propose laws independently, but EU officials warned of potential consequences. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos stated that Serbia must revise its laws or risk “a different form of engagement” from the bloc, while EU Delegation Head Andreas von Beckerath noted that Cluster 3 accession talks cannot proceed until judicial reform compliance is verified.
The deadlock directly affects the Special Prosecutor’s Office (TOK), as eleven prosecutors currently in temporary status could be reassigned to their original posts, jeopardizing key investigations. Attempts to hold VST sessions to secure permanent positions for these prosecutors were delayed by procedural maneuvers. Vujić postponed a session citing pending security checks for candidates, raising concerns that the government may be using the council to insert loyalists rather than protect institutional stability.
“A compromise may be sought through delays in the council, but the ultimate outcome remains uncertain,” analysts said, highlighting that the next VST session is scheduled for February 23, 2026, when names and appointments are expected to be addressed.
The EU continues to monitor the situation closely, while the Constitutional Court President Vladan Petrov indicated that requests from the opposition to review the laws could receive faster-than-usual attention, signaling increasing pressure on the Serbian authorities.
