Serbian students’ demands coincide with the EU reforms, according to a European Parliament report

The demands of protesters Serbian students coincide with the reforms needed on the road to the EU. This is stated in a report voted today by the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament. The report was supported by 55 commission members, 13 were against, and eight abstained. It is envisaged that the document will be voted on by the MEPs at the next plenary session of the EP.

Serbian authorities must show a strong political will and consistency in the implementation of EU -related reforms is supplemented in the text. Serbia has appeared to show its strategic orientation to the EU. There is no progress regarding the rule of law and the freedom of the media, the continuing close relations of Serbia with Russia have caused concern, the report added. The speed of joining negotiations also depends on Serbia’s commitment to the Belgrade dialogue – Pristina, which must be kept in good faith in order to ensure a legally binding agreement based on mutual recognition, the report said.

It is added that corruption in Serbia is a significant obstacle to the EU. An appeal was made for a transparent official investigation into the Novi Sad station incident on November 1 last year, as well as an impartial investigation into the alleged use of sound gun against protesters.

MEPs from the Foreign Commission are deeply concerned about systematic problems, underlined by student and other protests in Serbia, on issues related to civil freedoms, separation of powers, corruption, environmental protection and institutional and financial transparency. According to MEPs, students’ requests are largely in line with the reforms Serbia is expected to implement on the way to the EU.

The good preparation of Serbia is reported with regard to macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline, as well as a lack of general progress in fulfilling EU membership requirements in areas such as the rule of law, media freedom, administration reform and compliance with European policies, especially in the field of foreign affairs.

MEPs are urging the EU to review the amount of financial assistance to Belgrade if Serbia continues to support anti -democratic ideologies and fails to comply with EU sanctions and the general foreign policy and security policy.