The European Union is considering withholding funds from a €1.6 billion package of loans and grants to Serbia due to concerns that new legislation undermines the country’s commitment to the rule of law, as highlighted by the EU’s enlargement commissioner.
The new judicial reforms introduced by Belgrade have drawn criticism from judges and prosecutors for potentially consolidating President Aleksandar Vucic‘s power and diminishing efforts to combat organised crime, which could hinder Serbia’s EU membership aspirations.
In an email to Reuters, Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos noted that the European Commission is reviewing funding provisions for Serbia under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, stressing that these funds are contingent on adherence to the rule of law standards. Although Serbia began formal EU accession talks in 2014, progress has been slowed by corruption and weak institutions.
The reforms limit the mandates of chief public prosecutors and increase the powers of court presidents, leading to concerns about judicial independence and the integrity of high-profile corruption cases. In response to the criticism, Serbia has requested the Venice Commission’s opinion, a panel of constitutional law experts. Kos expects that the laws will be revised in accordance with this guidance.