MEPs meeting in Strasbourg on Wednesday May 10 adopted two reports on Serbia and Kosovo. In addition to the work and reforms to be carried out by the two countries in different fields, the reports adopted stress first of all the need to see relations normalise between Belgrade and Pristina, without which EU membership will remain a distant prospect.
Both reports call on the two countries to reach “without delay” a comprehensive and legally binding agreement on the normalisation of their relations, based on the principle of mutual recognition.
Serbia must align itself with the EU’s position towards Russia
In detail, the report on Serbia, adopted by MEPs by 508 votes to 76 with 37 abstentions, calls on Belgrade to align itself with the EU’s policy and sanctions against Russia, in the context of the latter’s war of aggression in Ukraine. MEPs believe that this is also a prerequisite for the country’s EU accession negotiations to progress.
Furthermore, the report also points to the anti-EU - and pro-Russian - rhetoric disseminated by the media “controlled by the government and government officials”. In the event that the “undemocratic policy” continues, MEPs call for the EU to reconsider the extent of its financial assistance to Serbia.
In terms of EU funds sent to Belgrade, the report insists that all EU spending should be fully in line with the EU’s strategic objectives and interests.
However, not everything is negative, says the report, which notes progress in the Rule of law, fundamental rights and the functioning of democratic institutions.
“This report makes a number of criticisms while supporting Serbia’s EU path, a path its leaders committed to after the 2022 elections. I welcome the return of the opposition to the Serbian National Assembly”, commented rapporteur Vladimír Bilčík (EPP, Slovakian).
Kosovo, progress in the fight against corruption, efforts to be made for the judiciary
For Kosovo, the adopted report (452 votes in favour, 87 against, 76 abstentions) stresses that the accession process of the country - which applied for membership on 15 December 2022 - will depend on the progress made on the Rule of law, fundamental rights and the improvement of the country’s legal system.
In addition, the report circles back to the conclusion of the agreement on visa liberalisation for Kosovar citizens (see EUROPE 13164/19). “We are finally happy to confirm that the long-awaited visa liberalisation will be granted to all citizens of Kosovo starting from 1 January 2024”, said rapporteur Viola von Cramon-Taubadel (Greens/EFA, German).
The report also points out that, while progress has been made in the area of the fight against corruption, more needs to be done in the area of the justice system.
The report also calls on the Kosovo government and Kosovo Serb representatives to engage in a genuine dialogue. Still on the subject of minorities, MEPs regret that initiatives to involve the Serbian community in Kosovo’s political, social and economic structures remain “very limited” (see EUROPE 13168/7).
“The report also clearly calls for the full implementation of all relevant agreements in the Serbia-Kosovo dialogue, including the establishment of the Community/Association of Serb Majority Municipalities (see EUROPE 13175/6). I sincerely hope that the Ohrid agreement will be beneficial for Kosovo and will contribute to the further normalisation of relations with Serbia (see EUROPE 13174/20)”, concluded Mrs von Cramon-Taubadel. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)