US EditionEU reconsidering funds for Serbia as justice laws 'eroding trust'
The EU is reconsidering 1.6 billion euros in loans and grants after judicial reforms in Serbia raised concerns over rule of law and organized crime prosecutions, EU commissioner said.
- On Feb 13 the European Union said it could withhold a 1.6 billion euro allocation of loans and grants to Serbia after laws passed by Belgrade are eroding trust in the rule of law.
- This week the amendments came into force and judges and prosecutors in Serbia criticised them for bolstering President Aleksandar Vucic's power, while Serbia requested the Venice Commission's opinion.
- The commission is reviewing funding under the Growth Plan, noting the funds contain rule-of-law preconditions and quoting Kos, `Once that opinion is issued, we expect these laws to be revised accordingly and in an inclusive manner`.
- Critics warn the changes risk undermining judicial independence and high-level corruption probes, while Serbia's Justice Ministry says the reforms will streamline decision-making and improve efficiency.
- Late on Thursday, EU officials said it is becoming harder for those in Brussels to press Serbia's case, while the Serbian government did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Friday.
12 Articles
12 Articles
EU reconsidering funds for Serbia as justice laws 'eroding trust'
The European Union could withhold funds from a 1.6 billion euro allocation of loans and grants to Serbia, after Belgrade passed laws that are "eroding trust" in its commitment to the rule of law, the bloc's enlargement commissioner said.
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EU reconsidering funds for Serbia as justice laws ‘eroding trust’
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EU could stop funding to Serbia for breaching the rule of law
The European Union is considering withholding funds from a €1.6 billion package of loans and grants to Serbia due to concerns that new legislation undermines the country’s commitment to the rule of law, as highlighted by the EU’s enlargement commissioner. The new judicial reforms introduced by Belgrade have drawn criticism from judges and prosecutors for potentially consolidating President Aleksandar Vucic‘s power and diminishing efforts to comb…
The EU may suspend funding for Serbia from a €1.6 billion package included in the Western Balkans Growth Plan, after Belgrade adopted justice laws that "undermine trust" in its commitment to the rule of law, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said. "These changes erode trust. It is becoming increasingly difficult for those in Brussels who are ready to move forward in negotiations with the country to defend Serbia," Kos said. The Eur…
The EU could withhold funds from the package of 1.6 billion euros for Serbia due to the adoption of the so-called "Mrdić's laws", warns Marata Kos.
Immediately after the adoption of the judicial laws, Brussels reacted strongly with the opinion that the new laws could be a step back on Belgrade's path to the EU, euronews serbia, euronews serbia, euronews serbia, euronews serbia, euronews, euronews
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