Parliament encourages Kosovo and Serbia to advance their EU accession reforms

Kosovo needs to accelerate its EU-related reforms and Serbia must do more to protect the rule of law and media freedom and to fight corruption, say MEPs.

In two reports adopted on Wednesday, MEPs assessed the progress made by Kosovo and Serbia in their efforts to join the European Union during 2023 and 2024.

Kosovo: comprehensive reforms and inclusive governance are essential

Kosovo has made notable strides in its electoral reforms, economic resilience, and the protection of fundamental rights, say MEPs. However, challenges remain regarding judicial reforms, media freedom, public administration efficiency, and the digitalisation of public services. Continued commitment to comprehensive reforms and inclusive governance is essential for Kosovo’s to progress on its European integration pathway, they stress.

The Pristina-Belgrade dialogue has unfortunately not yielded the expected results, note MEPs, who ask both parties to implement the Brussels and Ohrid agreements, including the establishment of the Association/Community of Serb-Majority Municipalities, and the lifting of Serbia’s opposition to Kosovo’s membership of regional and international organisations.

MEPs also state that Kosovo has been the target of foreign interference and disinformation campaigns, particularly from Russia and China, with the aim of destabilising the region and undermining the European integration of the Western Balkans. Parliament therefore urges the Kosovo government to reinforce its capacities to combat such threats.

The report was adopted by 353 votes in favour, 145 against and with 78 abstentions.

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Riho Terras (EPP, ET), rapporteur, said: “It is clear that Kosovo’s integration process needs new momentum – we need a new chapter in the talks between Pristina and Belgrade. It is extremely positive that all major parties in Kosovo are strongly in favour of EU integration. Kosovo’s future is in the European family and we will work together on the reform agenda, because any future accession must be based on merit.”

Serbia: major hurdles to overcome

Despite some progress in negotiations, Serbia still has major hurdles to overcome, according to MEPs. Belgrade needs to improve its internal political dialogue, protect the rule of law, and make anti-corruption reforms. It also has to work on reaching a comprehensive normalisation agreement with Kosovo, and fully align with EU foreign policy.

Parliament calls on Serbia’s authorities to ensure the independence of key institutions, including media regulators such as the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media. They must also implement in full all outstanding recommendations by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and the Council of Europe bodies on electoral reform, well ahead of any new elections, MEPs warn.

MEPs demand full and transparent legal proceedings and an official investigation into the collapse of the Novi Sad train station canopy on 1 November 2024, as well as an impartial investigation into the alleged use of unlawful crowd control technology against protesters. Deploring the continuing violence against students, MEPs are also deeply concerned about the increasing political and financial pressure placed on teachers and university professors who support the students’ collective action.

The report was adopted by 419 votes in favour, 113 against and with 88 abstentions.

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Tonino Picula (S&D, HR), rapporteur, said: “A long political crisis, intensified by a lack of progress on fundamental criteria, such as corruption, rule of law, media freedom and electoral reform, is having a direct impact on Serbia’s progress towards EU membership. For too long Serbia has been trying to take the best of EU funds while side-lining our core values and our geopolitical orientation. The enlargement process is merit-based, and Serbia’s progress could have a positive impact on the region.”