Tonino Picula, the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Serbia, has rejected calls to step down following backlash from Serbia over a social media post commemorating the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm.
Last week, Picula shared a wartime photo of himself on X (formerly Twitter), marking the military-police operation that ended the occupation of parts of Croatia. The post praised the operation as key to liberating Croatian territory and honored those who defended Croatia’s sovereignty.
The Serbian government condemned the post, with President Aleksandar Vučić expressing pride that he had not received Picula in his official capacity earlier this year. Serbian National Assembly President Ana Brnabić requested a public statement from European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
The pro-European opposition in Serbia also criticized Picula. Dragan Đilas, leader of the Freedom and Justice Party, said Picula’s post undermined his role and could strengthen anti-EU narratives in Serbia. Former Serbian President Boris Tadić stated that Picula should no longer serve as rapporteur for Serbia.
Picula told European Western Balkans that his military service in Croatia 30 years ago is public knowledge and that his experiences inform his understanding of the ongoing challenges Serbia faces on its EU path. He dismissed accusations that his role was compromised, citing strong parliamentary support for his Serbia reports, including 410 votes in favor out of 720 in the European Parliament plenary.
“I intend to continue my work as rapporteur. My duty in the European Parliament is not a reason to renounce any part of my biography,” Picula said.
He added that Serbia’s internal political deadlocks precede his appointment and called for greater recognition from Serbia of the multiple causes behind its stagnation.
Sources within the European Parliament indicated the controversy is unlikely to affect Picula’s position.