The European Democratic Party (EDP) welcomed the adoption of the Resolution on Serbia u to the European Parliament, stating that a clear message was sent that Belgrade's European future remains open, but must be based on democracy, the rule of law, media freedom and respect for fundamental rights.
Despite the opposition and restrained votes of far-right parties and parts of the radical left, the EDP states that the pro-European majority in the parliament stood by the citizens of Serbia, students, journalists, civil society and democratic forces.
EDP General Secretary Sandro Goci assessed that the main obstacle to the European future of the citizens of Serbia is the regime of the head of state Aleksandar Vučić.
"After 14 years in power, Vučić claims that Serbia's strategic goal is EU membership, while at the same time weakening European democracy at home. You cannot ask for European money and benefits from the EU, and at the same time manipulate elections, capture the media, intimidate protesters and allow corruption to take over the system," said Goci.
He added that Europe has not "mixed stability with democracy".
"The broad pro-European majority has clearly said that real stability in Serbia comes with free elections, independent institutions and judiciary and free public debate," said Goci.
He stated that at the summit in Tivat, Serbia was presented with three clear priorities - an independent judiciary, free elections and media freedom, which is why "cosmetic changes" are not enough.
"Serbia belongs to Europe, but the European future must be built with its citizens, not negotiated over their heads with a regime that carries out repression. Europe must stand with the people, not with Vučić's system," said Goci.
In the announcement, the EDP called on the European Commission and the Council of the EU to ensure that Serbia's accession to the Union is credible, conditional and completely based on European democratic values.
"Serbia belongs to Europe, Vučić's regime does not," the statement concluded.
Source: FoNet
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