Public letter from EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos on the situation in Serbia

List of Key Chapter Titles

1. Freedom of Assembly is a Fundamental Right
2. The EU Agenda Strengthens Rule of Law Construction
3. EU Accession is a Society-Wide Common Project
4. The EU's Close Attention to Protests in Serbia
5. Expectations for Investigations into Protest-Related Incidents
6. Core Reform Directions in Serbia's EU Accession Process
7. The Significant Importance of Inclusive Dialogue
8. Potential Benefits of Reforms for Serbian Citizens

Document Introduction

On February 5, 2025, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos issued an open letter from Brussels, responding to recent concerns raised by Serbian academic, political representatives, and civil society organizations regarding the current situation in the country. As the EU's official statement on Serbia's domestic situation, the letter's core discussion revolves around three major dimensions: EU core values, Serbia's EU accession process, and domestic governance reforms.

The letter clearly states that freedom of assembly is a core fundamental right of the EU common project, which must be respected and exercised under peaceful and legal premises. Regarding incidents targeting demonstrators during protest activities in Serbia, the EU demands a comprehensive, impartial, and swift investigation, emphasizes the principle of zero tolerance for violence, and expects Serbian police to continuously ensure the safety of demonstrators, while opposing speech inciting violence and behavior lacking mutual respect.

Regarding Serbia's EU accession process, the letter reiterates that supporting Serbia's advancement of European integration and becoming an EU member is a priority for the EU and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The path to accession involves a series of reforms that incorporate common values into legislation and practice. These reforms focus on combating corruption, guaranteeing judicial independence, strengthening institutional accountability, promoting media freedom and plurality, and improving the electoral environment. If effectively implemented, they will bring transformative benefits to all Serbian citizens, propelling the country closer to the EU.

The letter also emphasizes that the EU accession process is a national project requiring the joint efforts of the entire society, involving the government, parliament, opposition, civil society, various regions, and all citizens. Establishing an inclusive dialogue mechanism involving all stakeholders to discuss the reforms needed for Serbia's European future is of significant importance for strengthening Serbian social cohesion and consolidating its path to EU accession.