The European Union (EU) could withhold funds from a 1,6 billion euro package of loans and grants intended for Serbia after Belgrade adopted laws that "undermine trust" in its commitment to the rule of law, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Cos said, Reuters reported today.
Reforms aimed at centralizing the judiciary, which came into effect this week, have drawn criticism from judges and prosecutors who believe that the reforms strengthen Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić's control over power, weaken the fight against organized crime and undermine Serbia's bid for EU membership.
"These changes are eroding trust. It is becoming increasingly difficult for those in Brussels who are ready to move forward with Serbia to present arguments in support of this," Kos said in comments sent to Reuters late on Thursday.
Kos said the Commission is reviewing Serbia's funding under the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which aims to align the region with EU rules and ultimately bring countries like Serbia into the EU. Serbia has been allocated 1,6 billion euros in loans and grants under the program.
"These (funds) have preconditions related to the rule of law," she said.
Serbia began official EU accession negotiations in 2014, but widespread corruption and weak institutions have slowed progress, according to Reuters.
Judicial reforms include limiting the mandates of chief public prosecutors and giving court presidents - who are in charge of court administration - greater authority over judges. Critics fear the reforms will undermine the independence of judges and jeopardize high-profile corruption cases handled by the Special Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime.
The government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. The Justice Ministry said the new laws would make the judiciary more efficient by simplifying the decision-making process.
Following the reactions, Serbia requested the opinion of the Venice Commission, a panel of constitutional law experts at the Council of Europe, a human rights body.
"Once that opinion is published, we expect these laws to be revised accordingly and in an inclusive manner," Kos said.
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