The European Union believes that it is legitimate for Serbia to carry out security checks at the borders, but that this should be done in accordance with the Serbian legal framework and in accordance with European and international human rights standards.
An EU spokesperson noted in a written response to Radio Free Europe (RSE) that this should not result in restrictions on the freedoms of individuals, including foreign nationals.
"Any such measure imposed on the basis of the expression of political views is problematic and subject to strict limitations as stated in Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights," the EU press office said in a response.
In the tenth article of that convention, referred to by Brussels officials, it is emphasized that everyone has the right to freedom of expression and that this right includes the freedom to think and receive, and to communicate information and ideas without the interference of public authorities and regardless of borders.
That Brussels official also confirmed that in the context of Serbia's accession negotiations with the EU, the European Commission very closely monitors all developments in the area of the rule of law, including the protection of basic rights and freedoms, which are a key element of Serbia's accession to the European Union.
The Belgrade authorities have confirmed that there is a list of "undesirable" citizens in Serbia, from neighboring and other countries, who are not suitable for the authorities because of their political views.
This was confirmed by the Minister of the Interior, Ivica Dačić.
The confession came after Croatian singer Severina Vučković announced on August 26 that members of the Serbian police detained her for four hours at the border and questioned her about her views on various political and historical topics, after which she gave up coming to Serbia.
Aleksandar Vulin, Deputy Prime Minister and former director of the Security and Information Agency (BIA), boasted that during his time as head of the secret service, he personally made lists of those he considered unfit to enter Serbia.
So far, that list has included pop stars, actors, politicians, and Russian citizens who participated in protests against the war policy of the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.
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