The European Parliament is set to urge Serbia to “seriously demonstrate” its strategic orientation towards the European Union. This message sets the tone of the draft report on the Western Balkans’ largest country, prepared by S&D MEP Tonino Picula, which was presented today to the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee.

Tonino Picula, S&D MEP and European Parliament’s rapporteur on Serbia, said:

“Faced with Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine and an increasingly adversarial US undermining European values and rules, the EU needs clear answers from Serbia regarding its strategic orientation. Serbia remains the only country in the region that has not aligned with EU sanctions against Russia. In this report, we reiterate our call on Belgrade to do so – systematically and without delay. Authoritarian global players like Russia and China have clear interests in the Western Balkans, and it is time for Serbia to clarify where it stands.

“In light of the massive civil unrest in Serbia, led by students, we also have serious concerns about systemic issues highlighted by protesters. They are demanding accountability, institutional and financial transparency, and respect of civil liberties. The protests, sparked by the deadly collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy, have adopted the slogan ‘Corruption Kills’. This report expresses concern over the persistent prevalence of corruption in many areas. We also strongly condemn the violent attacks against peaceful protesters.

“Overall, this report highlights significant concerns with little to no progress in meeting EU membership criteria. Major shortcomings persist in critical areas, such as the rule of law, public administration reform, and alignment with EU policies. Ensuring the independence of key institutions, including media regulators such as the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media, is vital. Serbia must combat disinformation, particularly manipulative anti-EU narratives.

“Finally, the normalisation of relations between Serbia and Kosovo remains essential for their paths towards the EU. Both sides must avoid escalating tensions and must respect all past agreements reached through EU-facilitated dialogue. Additionally, swift justice must be served to the perpetrators of the 2023 terrorist attack in Banjska, including Milan Radoičić, whom Serbia has yet to prosecute. Those responsible for the 2024 terrorist attack in Zubin Potok must also be brought to justice without delay. And the EU must do everything in its power to reinvigorate the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

Elio Di Rupo, S&D negotiator on Kosovo, added:

“In stark contrast to Serbia, Kosovo’s clear strategic geopolitical choice and continued alignment with the EU’s foreign and security policy, including its firm condemnation of Russia’s war against Ukraine, is commendable. Kosovo’s future lies in the EU, and this is clearly in the interest of both sides, especially in the context of growing competition with authoritarian regimes.

“In this year’s report, we therefore call for the immediate lifting of the unjustified EU measures against Kosovo, as they contradict its demonstrated commitment to European values and policies. Furthermore, we reiterate our call on EU member states to advance with Kosovo’s membership application by promptly presenting the questionnaire and preparing an opinion on the merits of its application.

“Overall, Kosovo has made notable progress in electoral reforms, economic resilience, and the protection of fundamental rights. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding systemic vulnerabilities in the judiciary, media freedom (including a significant rise in attacks against journalists), public administration efficiency, and the digitalisation of public services.

“Lastly, concerning the recent elections – the first regular national elections since Kosovo’s independence, where I was an observer – the report welcomes the participation of Kosovo Serbs in parliamentary elections, after leaving Kosovo institutions more than two years ago. It also encourages their elected representatives to play an active role in Kosovo’s legislative process. I look forward to the formation of a new government in Pristina.”

Note to editors:

Following today’s presentation of the draft reports on Serbia and Kosovo to the European Parliament’s foreign affairs committee, members will have some time to submit amendments. The committee is expected to vote on the report in April, with the plenary vote anticipated in May.