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Discussion: EU in Serbia targeted by disinformation campaigns, accession process poorly communicated

Photo: FoNet

BELGRADE – The Center for Study Democracy (CSD) from Sofia organized the public discussion that explored ways to strengthen European integration and improve the effectiveness of democracies in the Balkans, focousing on civil security and rule of law.

During the discussion titled “Democratic Resilience, Rule of Law and Economic Security: Charting Policy Options for the Western Balkans”,  organised at Europe House in Belgrade, CSD presented its analysis on how economic dependencies and media control are used to undermine democratic reforms in the region.

Serbia is moving towards the West, while the European Union recognises the importance of enlargement its membership to include the countries of the region, said the US and EU ambassadors to Serbia, Christopher Hill and Emanuele Giaufret during the debate.

Hill state that “there is no doubt” that Serbia is moving towards the West and noted that the protests lithium mining also reflect resistance to that path.

“I believe that Serbia can move forward in the right direction”, Hill said adding that many of those protesting lithium mining are also supporters of Russia.

He acknowledged that public opinion polls reveal Serbian sympathies for Russia and frustration with the West. He also highlighted Serbia’s importance as the largest and most populous country in the region.

According to him, Western Balkan countries should find a way to discuss and resolve all issues directly through the dialogue. “For the United States, direct conversations and dialogue among all countries in this region are crucial”, Hill added.

Emanuele Giaufret reaffirmed that the EU is aware of the need to integrate new members, including the Western Balkan countries. “A large number of EU citizens believe that the Western Balkans are ready for this”, said Giaufret adding that the EU now needs to adopt to accommodate future members.

He said that it is important for the EU that there is open and free civil society in Serbia. “Without dialogue with civil society, the state is also weakened. It is essential that space for this dialogue exists”, he added.

Speaking about the proposed lithium mining in Serbia, the EU ambassador to Serbia pointed out that the EU has been the target of numerous disinformation campaigns. He underlined that lithium mining is not a condition for EU membership.

He explained that lithium projects are underway in ten EU member states and also dismissed the disinformation suggesting that the EU has overlooked rule of law issues in Serbia because of lithium. “I understand that there is concern, that is part of democratic life, but we must have dialogue based on facts”, EU ambassador to Serbia added.

Tanja Miščević, Serbian Minister for European Integration, said during the discussion that 2030 is currently being discussed as a potential date for next EU enlargement.

She noted that today Serbia Government adopted a Draft Law on Cohesion Policy, which is expected to be submitted to Parliament soon. “This law prepares us for the time when Serbia will be able to fully utilize European funds”, Miščević explained.

Speaking about Serbia’s negotiation process on its path toward the EU, Miščević stated that Serbia is nearing the level of Montenegro, which received the green light for IBAR, allowing it to begin closing negotiation chapters.

 

Photo: X, MINEIsrb

When asked about the challenges in the process, Miščević emphasized that Serbia is focusing on issue such as the rule of law. She mentioned that Serbia had reformed its judiciary, but additional efforts are needed to foster a culture of judicial independence.

“The reforms undertaken are a step forward, but we must develop a culture of judicial independence. We must understand that it is essential for citizens to enjoy legal certainty. This is a significant challenge”, Miščević said.

Igor Novaković, Senior Associate at International and Security Affairs Center (ISAC), noted that Serbia faces issues in the area of the rule of law, particularly in the media.

He emphasized that the recommendations civil society has been making for years to improve the state in this area have not been properly communicated and implemented.

According to him, it is crucial to explain why reforms are being carried out on the path to the EU and how these reforms improve their lives.

Nikola Burazer, Program Director at Centre for Contemporary Politics, also highlighted the role of the media in the EU integration process, as media coverage directly impacts public support for that process.

According to him, the alignment with EU norms and standards is often portrayed in Serbian media as a matter of “national pride” or the issue of Kosovo. He mentioned a public opinion survey from 2020 that showed that 80% of Serbian citizens believe Kosovo is the main obstacle to Serbia’s EU path.

“This is clearly demonstrates who the communication of the European path by Serbian authorities frames the Kosovo issue as the main problem, rather than the lack of progress in the rule of law”, Burazer said.

Ksenija Marković, the International Secretary of the Democratic Party (DS) and a member of Serbian National Assembly, spoke about the importance of the Parliament in the European Integration process. She stressed that Parliament should play a constructive and active role in the process, but that is not the case in Serbia.

According to Marković, Serbia is grappling with serious democratic challenges such as the erosion democratic institutions, limited fundamental freedoms, while elections are neither free nor fair.

“All of these factors undermine the role of the Parliament. If we want a constructive role for Parliament, we need MPs who are willing to hold the executive branch and Government accountable. Today’s Serbian Parliament cannot fulfill that role”, Marković said.

This article was published as part of the project “Civil society for good governance and anti-corruption in southeast Europe: Capacity building for monitoring, advocacy and awareness-raising (SELDI)” funded by the European Union

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