MEPs discussed the crisis in Serbia and the thousands of people protesting against the authorities in Belgrade. They called for all attacks on students and citizens who took part in the rallies to be investigated.

In a debate in Strasbourg, a majority of MEPs backed the protests. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Koss said that civic engagement plays an important role in the development of a democratic society.

“Basic values ​​are at the heart of our common European project, which the European Union expects all countries to accept and respect. Violence must not be tolerated and the police must ensure the safety of protesters,” she said.

Koss stressed that the Commission is concerned about the attacks on demonstrators and calls for a full investigation into these attacks.

“Language that incites violence must not be a solution. We have expressed our concern to the authorities (in Belgrade) about the treatment of citizens of European Union member states who were detained and then ordered to leave Serbia, as they allegedly pose a security threat. We have expressed our concern about the announcements of access to citizens’ data and their publication, which is unacceptable and must be investigated. Furthermore, the spread of disinformation, violence and rhetoric towards the European Union and our citizens, as well as towards representatives of the European Parliament and the European delegation that is leading the talks between politicians and civil society, have no place in European integration. In these circumstances, it is important that the conditions are in place for an inclusive dialogue, in which all relevant institutions, including academics and members of the community, should participate, to reach a consensus on reforms for the future of Serbia. This should strengthen European society and consolidate Serbia’s future in the European Union,” Kos said.
The European Commissioner recalled that the path to EU membership requires reforms that are rooted in European values, not only in legislation but also in practice. Marta Koss again noted that any EU candidate must align its foreign policy with that of the bloc.

European People's Party (EPP) MEP Tomislav Sokol warned that Serbia is an autocratic state and Vucic is not its only problem.

"Serbia has never taken responsibility for its own failures in the past. Only when all segments of Serbian society understand that there is nothing to gain from some Balkan hegemony and that the role of a regional power is just an illusion, will we talk about a serious European perspective for Serbia," he was categorical.

The European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, also supported the student protests, pointing out that the tragedy in Novi Sad was the reason for thousands of citizens to take to the streets across the country.

"This is a political crisis that requires a political solution. These solutions can neither be unfounded accusations of external interference nor the expulsion of European Union citizens. If there are changes, they must always be made in accordance with the principles of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. The European Commission report shows problems, and there are European leaders who are there to praise progress. If we want new members through a credible enlargement policy, we must redirect more European funds to strengthening democratic institutions and the judiciary. "The EU has long been not only a common market, but also a community of democratic values," said Pitzula. | BGNES