The European Commission's Response to the Situation in Serbia and Explanation of the Accession Process

Key Chapter Title List

1. Concerns Regarding the Current Situation in Serbia
2. Definition of Freedom of Assembly as a Core Fundamental Right
3. Incidents Involving Demonstrators and the Demand for Investigation
4. Core Principle Statement of Zero Tolerance for Violence
5. Responsibility of Serbian Police to Ensure the Safety of Demonstrators
6. EU Support for Serbia's EU Accession Process
7. Key Reform Areas and Objectives in the Accession Process
8. Positive Impact of Reforms on Serbian Citizens
9. Positioning the Accession Process as a Common Project for the Entire Society
10. Importance and Requirements for Building Inclusive Dialogue
11. Objective of Strengthening Serbian Society and its Path to EU Accession

Document Introduction

On February 5, 2025, European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, received several letters from members of the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, political representatives, and civil society organizations expressing concerns about the current situation in Serbia. Based on this, the Commissioner issued an open letter in response.

The open letter first clarifies the central role of fundamental rights in the common European project, emphasizing that freedom of assembly is a fundamental right that must be respected and its exercise must adhere to the principles of peace and legality. Regarding the incidents involving demonstrators, the EU demands a comprehensive, impartial, and swift investigation, reiterates that violence is intolerable, and states that the Serbian police should continuously ensure the safety of demonstrators. It also points out that incitement to violence and discourse lacking mutual respect are not solutions.

Regarding Serbia's EU accession process, the open letter states that supporting Serbia's progress on its path to accession and its eventual membership in the EU is a priority for the EU and President von der Leyen. The accession process involves a series of reforms, the core of which is integrating common European values into Serbia's legislation and practices. These reforms cover key areas such as fighting corruption, ensuring judicial independence, strengthening institutional accountability, promoting media freedom and pluralism, and improving electoral conditions.

The Commissioner emphasizes that if these reforms are properly implemented, they will have a transformative impact, benefiting all Serbian citizens and bringing Serbia closer to the EU. At the same time, the accession process is not the task of a single institution but a national project requiring significant effort from the entire society, involving the government, parliament, opposition, civil society, all regions, and every citizen.

Building inclusive dialogue is seen as a crucial measure, needing to encompass all stakeholders, political actors, institutions, and civil society members to jointly advance the reforms necessary for Serbia's European future. Ultimately, through these efforts, the cohesion of Serbian society will be strengthened, solidifying its path to EU accession.