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Concerns about the dominance of the ruling party during the recent elections in Serbia, a call to the Belgrade authorities to continue reforms in the areas of the rule of law, fundamental rights, the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration, and the demand for concrete results to be delivered to Brussels are part of the annual recommendations. Report prepared for the European Parliament by the rapporteur for Serbia, Vladimir Bilchik.
Bilcic welcomes the fact that the EU remains Serbia’s strategic target and is pleased that the Belgrade authorities continue to align regulations with EU standards. However, it points out that the pace of European integration will depend mainly on the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, but also that the normalization of relations with Kosovo is one of the key conditions for this.
Bilcic emphasizes the importance of the OSCE / ODIHR electoral report in Serbia, especially the fact that the electoral process was efficient, but adds that he is very concerned about the dominance of the ruling parties, especially in the media, and calls on authorities implementing the OSCE report. before the next electoral cycle.
It also regrets the decision of the majority of the opposition to boycott the last parliamentary elections in Serbia.
“I reiterate that the only way to ensure the political representation of your own voters is through participation in political and electoral processes,” Bilchik said in the draft report.
It welcomes the idea of starting a cross-party dialogue under the auspices of the European Parliament, as well as the initial steps taken by the authorities in Belgrade and the parliamentary majority there, to improve electoral conditions, but also stresses that additional measures are needed in dialogue between parties.
In this regard, the rapporteur for Serbia calls for the cooperation of the pro-European political force in Serbia.
“I call for the continuation of the inter-party dialogue which will include all relevant actors and pro-European political forces in Serbia,” said Bilcik.
It urges the authorities in Belgrade to focus on respecting the basic rights of citizens, but the rights of minorities, including LGBT people, and addressing structural deficiencies in the rule of law, the functioning of democratic institutions and public administration.
“I repeat the 2018 call for justice, when it comes to illegal demolition of private property in Belgrade,” added Bilcik.
He also hopes that Serbia will provide concrete results, but also effective investigation in areas of particular concern, such as the judiciary, freedom of expression and the fight against organized crime and corruption. It also points out the need to implement constitutional reforms and strengthen the independence of the judiciary.
While he believes that the Serbian Assembly has improved working procedures, he points to the need to further improve legislative processes, especially increasing their transparency, but also strengthening social dialogue.
In the draft report, Vladimir Bilčik welcomes the adoption of the media strategy and calls for its implementation.
“I regret the lack of progress regarding media freedom, insults, harassment and even hate speech, and I hope that the Serbian authorities will implement urgent measures to guarantee freedom of expression and independence of the media, “said Bilcic.
It also emphasizes the need to normalize relations between Serbia and Kosovo, stating that it is a priority and a key condition for EU integration.
“I call for an active and constructive engagement in the EU-led dialogue led by the Special Representative, in search of a comprehensive and legally binding document that is in line with international law, and I call for the full implementation of the agreements reached so far.” said the European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia. .
Bilchik also expresses concern about the growing cooperation with China in the field of security.
“I am concerned about Serbia’s increasing reliance on defense equipment and technologies from the People’s Republic of China and the lack of transparency regarding security sector acquisitions. Concerns remain about Serbia’s close political and military cooperation with Russia.” Vladimir Bilchik said in the draft. reports.
It reiterates the position that Serbia should gradually harmonize its foreign and security policy with the policies of the EU.
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