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Thank you, Madam President, Honourable Members of the European Parliament,  

On Sunday 17 December, Serbia held parliamentary and local elections in 65 municipalities, including Belgrade. Those elections were observed by a very substantial international mission from OSCE/ODIHR, as well as Members of the European Parliament – let me thank them for this important engagement.  

According to the statement of the OSCE/ODIHR, the elections, though technically well-administered and offering voters a choice of political alternatives, were dominated by the decisive involvement of the President [of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić], which together with the ruling party’s systemic advantages created unjust conditions. 

In their statement of 19 December, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement [Olivér] Várhelyi took note of the report and concluded with concern that the electoral process requires tangible improvement and further reform. 

Let me underline that the rule of law and the proper functioning of Serbia's democratic institutions remain at the core of Serbia's EU accession process as they are enshrined in our Treaties, which list Copenhagen criteria. The revised enlargement methodology clearly sets out that progress on the ‘fundamentals’ determines the overall pace of negotiations.  

We expect that all credible reports of irregularities are followed up in a transparent manner by the competent national authorities. This also includes allegations related to the local elections in Belgrade and other municipalities.  

Following the adoption of the final OSCE/ODIHR report and recommendations for future elections, we expect Serbia to implement them quickly, ahead of future elections. We stand ready to support Serbia in implementing those recommendations. 

We have followed closely the protests in Serbia after the elections. Let me underline the importance of upholding the right of peaceful demonstration. At the same time, violence is not the solution and is unacceptable. Police action must be proportionate and respect fundamental rights within the rule of law.  

We call on the Serbian political leadership to ensure now a constructive, inclusive dialogue across the political spectrum. There is no space for disinformation narratives in a healthy democracy.  

Serbia remains a candidate country negotiating its accession to the European Union.  

We expect Serbia to demonstrate unequivocally its determination to advance the accession process by accelerating its work on the implementation of EU accession related reforms across the board and to deliver real and tangible results.   

This includes in particular the area of rule of law and the normalisation of relations with Kosovo through the swift implementation of all EU-facilitated Dialogue commitments, including the Agreement on the Path to Normalisation and its Implementation Annex.  

Let me also reiterate our strong expectation that Serbia will step up its efforts towards full alignment with EU Common Foreign and Security Policy positions and restrictive measures, as a matter of utmost priority.  

We will be closely following how Serbia is delivering on these points and are ready to support Serbia in this endeavour. 

Thank you. 

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-251741 

Closing remarks

Thank you Madame President, Honourable Members,

The debate today illustrates the importance the EU attaches to its relations with Serbia as a candidate country negotiating its accession. That is why we have clear expectations and why Serbia is under particular scrutiny when it comes to the functioning of its democratic institutions and rule of law.

I took good note of your concrete requests as regards the follow-up to a number of issues identified during the recent elections.

Please rest assured that rule of law reforms and improving the functioning of democratic institutions will remain at the core of the Commission’s priorities in Serbia’s accession negotiations. We already provide substantial support to Serbia in this respect and are ready to continue doing so in the coming period.

It is up to Serbia to deliver on those reforms, on the basis of its strategic goal of EU integration.

Thank you.

Link to the video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-251746