The European Parliament adopted a resolution on Wednesday stating that Serbia has made limited or no progress in several key areas of its European Union accession process, warning that future negotiations should advance only if Belgrade delivers measurable and lasting reforms.
The report, drafted by European Parliament rapporteur Tonino Picula, was approved with 468 votes in favor, 116 against and 79 abstentions.
Lawmakers said Serbia must strengthen the rule of law, step up the fight against corruption and organized crime, safeguard judicial independence, improve media freedom and continue reforms of public administration before accession talks can move forward.
The resolution also condemned what it described as a campaign to discredit participants in the March 15, 2025 anti-government protest in Belgrade through allegations that demonstrators had fabricated claims about the use of a “sound cannon.” MEPs expressed concern over intimidation targeting students, journalists and civil society activists.
The European Parliament reiterated that normalization of relations with Kosovo remains an essential condition for Serbia’s EU membership path and called for the full implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid agreements.
Lawmakers also urged Serbia to align its foreign and security policy with that of the European Union, including sanctions imposed on Russia over its war in Ukraine.
The resolution further referred to the European Commission’s recommendation that future payments under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans could be suspended or redirected unless Serbia delivers concrete results, particularly in judicial reform, anti-corruption efforts, independent media and support for civil society.