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Brussels – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos responded to a letter from Serbian academics and political and civil society representatives who expressed concern over the current situation in Serbia, where student protests have been ongoing for three months. She emphasized the importance of the rule of law and freedom of assembly, while ensuring that the EU’s priority remains to support Serbia on its European path.
The Commissioner, in response to the letter from Serbian academics and political and civil society representatives, emphasized the importance of respecting fundamental values, the rule of law, and inclusive dialogue in the EU accession process. Among other things, she called for respect for the right to freedom of assembly.
She also highlighted incidents against protesters and called for a “complete, impartial, and swift investigation.” “Violence must not be tolerated,” she wrote in the letter.
The EU’s and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s priority remains to support Serbia in advancing on its European path and becoming part of the EU, assured the European Commissioner from Slovenia.
“The path to EU membership includes reforms that introduce our shared values into legislation and practice. Serbia’s path to the European Union offers solutions to many issues that are currently at the center of discussions,” she further wrote.
Since the tragic accident at the railway station in Novi Sad last November, in which 15 people died, Serbia has been shaken by mass protests led by students who are also blocking faculties. They demand accountability and justice for the victims of the accident, for which they blame corruption and lack of transparency in the years-long renovation of the railway station. There have also been cases of violence against protesters, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević a few days ago. (February 5)