Serbia’s pursuit of European Union membership may face delays unless the government accelerates reforms in the judiciary, media, and electoral laws, warned EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos on Tuesday. Kos emphasized that without these reforms, Serbia’s progress would be hindered, following her discussions in Belgrade with Prime Minister Djuro Macut.
She also mentioned plans to engage with students and civic organizations the following day. The country has experienced months of anti-government protests triggered by the tragic collapse of a railway station roof in Novi Sad, which resulted in 16 fatalities and raised serious allegations of corruption and negligence.
The protests have drawn participation from students, teachers, farmers, and opposition activists, presenting a significant challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic’s populist administration. Kos noted that the EU’s expectations align closely with the demands of the protesters.
Macut, who assumed the role of prime minister on April 16 after the previous government fell amid ongoing protests, reaffirmed Serbia’s commitment to EU integration, although he acknowledged the lengthy nature of the process. Serbia was granted EU candidate status in 2012.
On the same day, Vucic indicated that Serbia’s economic growth is projected to slow to 2.1% in the first quarter, primarily due to a decline in tourism attributed to the protests. He reported a 22.8% drop in tourism during the first three months, linking it to the disruptions caused by protests.
The World Bank has revised its growth forecast for Serbia this year down to 3.5% from 4.2%. Vucic, who was set to meet Kos later that day, expressed low expectations for her visit. Serbia is balancing its EU aspirations with its historical ties to Russia, with Vucic confirming his attendance at a military parade in Moscow on May 9 to commemorate the end of World War II, where he is expected to meet with President Vladimir Putin.
