Serbia: Let's celebrate Europe Day, not Putin's parade!

“The Parliament's Report on Serbia for 2023 and 2024 presents in a balanced and accurate picture of the achievements and shortcomings on the country’s path towards EU membership, which the EPP Group will support,” underlined Davor Ivo Stier MEP, the EPP Group's Spokesman on Serbia.

Serbia's GDP is growing, and the country is attracting foreign investment, mainly from the European Union. Serbia has achieved an investment-grade credit rating for the first time, while maintaining fiscal discipline and macroeconomic stability. Among other achievements, Serbia has signed an agreement with Frontex on border management, thus contributing to European efforts to prevent illegal crossings, while respecting international law.

However, key problems remain in the areas of rule of law, unresolved issues with Kosovo, tensions with neighbouring countries, and uncertainty about the country’s foreign policy direction. "Massive student protests have sent a strong message on the need to tackle corruption. Serbia is also expected to implement the obligations that it accepted in the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements on the normalisation of relations with Kosovo. Serbia should refrain from policies that undermine the sovereignty of neighbouring countries.

The EPP Group also encourages the Serbian authorities to fully align with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. No European leaders, especially those affiliated with the EPP, should participate in Putin’s parade in Moscow. “On 9 May, let’s celebrate Europe Day, not Putin’s parade,” concluded Stier, stressing that Serbia’s future is in the EU.