The delegation of the European Parliament's Foreign Policy Committee (AFEST) published a report after its visit to Serbia from January 22 to 24, stating that the visit came at the right time and that it confirms a firm commitment to the perspective of democratic Serbia's membership in the European Union, N1 reported.
"Meetings with various stakeholders confirmed the highly polarized political landscape in Serbia. The visit also provided an opportunity to reiterate support for the citizens of Serbia and institutions in implementing reforms, provided that the commitments made are translated into measurable and sustainable progress, particularly in the area of the rule of law," the report concludes.
The report states that, in meetings with Serbian interlocutors, members of the European Parliament confirmed their commitment to "the perspective of democratic Serbia's membership in the EU."
MEPs stressed that it is a "merit-based process, founded on respect for democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, media freedom and the independence of the judiciary, as well as full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy."
"The members expressed solidarity with the citizens of Serbia, students and civil society actors who are exercising their democratic rights and calling for accountability, transparency and institutional responsibility," the text states.
MEPs called on the authorities to ensure urgent, impartial and transparent investigations into all allegations of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force and unlawful surveillance of protesters, the report of the European Parliament Mission to Serbia added.
They also state in the report that they have received "concerning reports of financial, administrative and physical pressure on academic staff, as well as restrictions on media freedom."
They expressed concern about the judicial reforms that were being discussed in the National Assembly at that time, which they assessed could threaten the independence of the judiciary.
The delegation also discussed election integrity issues and the need for thorough implementation of all outstanding OSCE/ODIHR recommendations.
Members of the European Parliament delegation to Serbia met with the two Vice-Presidents of the National Assembly, Elvira Kovač and Marina Raguš, representatives of the parliamentary parties of the government and opposition, Minister for European Integration Nemanja Starović and Minister of Foreign Affairs Marko Đurić, as well as representatives of the media, civil society, think tanks, the academic community and students.
In addition, members of the delegation met with the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation and ambassadors of member states during a morning briefing and reception for diplomatic exchanges.
The AFET Committee will continue to closely monitor political developments in Serbia, including challenges in the area of fundamental freedoms and civil space, which, together with the insights gathered during the visit, will contribute to the work on the upcoming annual report on Serbia's accession process under the 2025 Enlargement Package, according to the report of the nine-member European Parliament mission to Serbia.
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