After a wave of protests in Serbia and concerns expressed by academics, political representatives, and civil society organizations, the European Commission has also responded.
Marta Kos, the Commissioner for Enlargement, shared the European Commission's position on her X account. She delivered a clear message—the European Union is closely monitoring developments in Serbia and expects full respect for fundamental democratic values, including freedom of assembly and the rule of law.
In her statement, Commissioner Kos emphasized that violence cannot be tolerated and that Serbia’s European path is conditioned on implementing reforms that will ensure legal certainty, media freedom, and political pluralism.
We are publishing the statement in full:
"I have recently received several letters from members of Serbian academia, political representatives and civil society organisations expressing concerns about the current situation in Serbia.
I have been following the protests in Serbia closely. I want to respond to the concerns expressed and recall what the European Union stands for.
Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right
Fundamental values are at the core of our common European project and need to be respected. Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right that must be respected. It must be exercised peacefully and in accordance with the law. Incidents against demonstrators have been witnessed. We expect a full, impartial and speedy investigation. No violence should be tolerated. We expect the Serbian police to continue ensuring the safety of demonstrators. Language inciting violence and a lack of mutual respect cannot be the solution.
The European agenda strengthens the rule of law
It remains the EU’s and President of the Commission von der Leyen priority to support Serbia in advancing on its European path and become part of the European Union.
The path to EU membership encompasses reforms which enshrine our shared values in legislation and practice. Serbia’s path towards the European Union offers solutions to many of the issues that are at the heart of discussion today.
The reforms that are part of the EU accession process will strengthen the fight against corruption, ensure the independence of the judiciary and accountability of institutions, promote media freedom and pluralism and improve electoral conditions. If properly implemented, these reforms will have a transformative effect that will benefit all citizens and bring Serbia closer to the European Union.
EU accession is a whole-of-society project
The EU accession process requires an intense effort by the entire society. It needs to be a national project owned by everyone: the government, the parliament, the opposition,civil society, every region, town, and village, and ultimately every single citizen in the country.
It is important that the conditions are established for an inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, political actors, institutions and members of civil society to address reforms that are necessary for the European future of Serbia.
This will strengthen the Serbian society and consolidate Serbia’s path towards EU membership."