Rapporteur for Serbia in the European Parliament, Tonino Picula, stated that reforms in Serbia have significantly slowed, particularly in areas of rule of law and democratic standards, and that the overall EU accession process has stalled.
Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) regarding the draft annual report on Serbia, Picula noted that political polarization, limited progress in the Kosovo dialogue, repeated anti-EU rhetoric, and restrictions on media and civil society have contributed to this stagnation. He emphasized that Serbia must engage systematically and strategically to meet its declared goal of EU membership.
Eurodeputy Marta Temido highlighted the “openly hostile rhetoric” from Serbian authorities during the European Parliament delegation’s January visit, noting limited willingness from ruling party representatives to discuss EU integration.
Representatives from the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS), including Anne Kemppainen, stressed that Serbia’s progress on rule of law, alignment with the EU’s common foreign and security policy, and reforms are critical for advancing accession negotiations. Kemppainen noted Serbia’s compliance with EU foreign policy is currently at 65%, which is insufficient, especially regarding restrictive measures against Russia following its aggression in Ukraine.
The draft report also condemns arrests, illegal expulsions of EU citizens supporting student protests, and the escalation of violence, intimidation, and pressure against journalists and civil society. It calls for accountability for serious human rights violations and urges Serbia to reverse the decline in freedom of expression.
The document, following committee debate and amendments, is expected to be adopted in June by the European Parliament and will later take the form of a parliamentary resolution.
