Serbian parliament speaker Ana Brnabic said on Thursday that the European Union was not preparing to suspend up to 1.5 billion euros in funding for Serbia, rejecting media reports and criticising comments by a European lawmaker.
Brnabic was responding to reports citing discussions within the European Commission about potentially freezing funds over concerns about democratic backsliding and Serbia’s ties with Russia.
“The EU is not preparing to withhold 1.5 billion euros from our country,” Brnabic said in a post on social media, dismissing the claims.
She also criticised Slovenian Member of the European Parliament Irena Joveva, accusing her of interfering in Serbia’s internal affairs.
Separately, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Brussels remained concerned about developments in Serbia and was assessing whether the country met conditions for continued financial support.
“We are increasingly concerned about what is happening in Serbia,” Kos said, pointing to issues including laws affecting judicial independence, the treatment of protesters and pressure on independent media.
According to Politico, the European Commission is considering suspending funding linked to reforms if Serbia fails to meet required standards.
Serbia, which opened accession negotiations in 2014, is eligible for EU financial assistance aimed at supporting legal and institutional reforms.
EU officials have also raised concerns over recent judicial reforms in Serbia, describing them as a potential setback adopted through a rapid and non-transparent process.
The Venice Commission, a Council of Europe advisory body, is expected to issue an opinion on the reforms later this month, which could influence the European Commission’s decision on funding.
Brussels has also expressed concern over Belgrade’s continued ties with Moscow, urging Serbia to align more closely with EU foreign policy positions.
Serbian officials have said they expect continued financial support and remain committed to EU membership, while maintaining relations with Russia.
The issue highlights growing tensions between Serbia and the European Union as accession talks stall and political differences deepen.