US EditionEU says Serbia could lose access to a billion euros over democratic backsliding
The Commission is awaiting a Council of Europe review as officials warn the reforms could weaken judicial independence and anti-corruption oversight.
- On Monday, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told MEPs the European Commission is evaluating whether to suspend €1.5 billion in funding for Serbia due to concerns over judicial reforms introduced in January.
- Kos said these January judicial reforms weakened judicial independence and created a "flawed form of autonomy" for anti-corruption prosecution while the Commission awaits the Venice Commission's assessment.
- Expressing concerns about "laws that undermine the independence of the judiciary," Kos also cited crackdowns on protesters and media meddling, urging authorities to align with international recommendations.
- The Council's Venice Commission, which visited Belgrade in mid-March, is expected to issue an urgent opinion regarding these controversial laws in the coming weeks.
- Serbia's path toward the Union has slowed amid its refusal to impose sanctions on Russia, alongside President Aleksandar's crackdown on protests following a 2024 train station collapse in Novi Sad.
9 Articles
9 Articles
EU considers freezing Serbia's €1.5 billion funds over rule of law
Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos warned MEPs about concerns including pressure on the judiciary, restrictions on media freedom, and a crackdown on protests in Serbia, alongside broader political tensions linked to its closer ties with Russia.
She said that the EU will continue to support Serbia on its path to accession.
"As soon as we receive the final opinion of the expert team, which I expect will be by the end of April, and before that we will start working on changes to the law", euronews serbia, euronews serbia, euronews serbia, euronews serbia, euronews, euronews
The President of the Serbian Parliament, Ana Brnabić, said today that she does not think that the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, will ask for the freezing of funds for Serbia.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 83% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
