This is the official response of Serbia’s SNS to GER Merz’s proposal for the next EU enlargement: ‘Germany is now maturing into a Fourth Reich.’
Dear @EPP, what do you think about the fact that your member claims you are leading the Fourth Reich?
Today in Belgrade, thousands rallied in a student-organised protest against @avucic Aleksandar Vučić’s rule, demanding justice, accountability and an end to corruption. Vučić can look at the square from a window; he should recognise what is staring back: a country tired of opacity, intimidation and democratic theatre. Students opened the road, citizens filled it. Serbia deserves transparency, rule of law and a European future. The EDP stands with them.
@anabrnabic EU fondovi nisu pravo, vec privilegija. Samim tim, ako racunate na EU fondove za bolnice, skole, itd. onda bi trebalo da se ponasate u skladu sa EU načelima, a ne da ugnjetavate svoj sopstveni narod.
Attacks on civic space and media freedom in Serbia are deeply worrying. Reports of violence and voter intimidation during local elections raise serious concerns. I urge the authorities to protect free expression and peaceful assembly.
https://t.co/R2MVaKOx8M
The University of Belgrade defends the independence of academic institutions in Serbia and calls out the many arrests of students, offering full support to those unlawfully detained.
The University asks the EU a.o. for support and for condemnation of the arrests.
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The European Democratic Party strongly condemns the latest statements by Serbian Interior Minister Boris Bratina, which have sparked outrage and calls for his immediate dismissal across Serbia.
At a time when students and young people are peacefully protesting, such rhetoric contributes to a dangerous climate in which police violence is legitimised rather than prevented. This comes amid growing concerns from international organisations about the use of force, intimidation of media, and pressure on civil society in Serbia.
@sandrogozi , Secretary General of the European Democratic Party, said:
“The statements of Interior Minister Boris Bratina are shocking and unacceptable. No democratic government can suggest, explicitly or implicitly, that violence against its own citizens — especially young people — is justified. This is a red line.
President Aleksandar Vučić bears full political responsibility for this dangerous drift. If these words are not immediately withdrawn, Boris Bratina must be dismissed without delay.
Serbia cannot claim to move towards Europe while tolerating rhetoric that normalises repression and intimidation. Europe stands with Serbian students, journalists and all citizens who are peacefully defending their rights.”
The European Democratic Party reiterates that respect for fundamental rights, freedom of expression and peaceful protest are essential conditions for any country aspiring to a European future.
Seit unserem letzten Besuch in Belgrad weiß ich, wie sehr Vucic in die Freiheit der Unis eingreift. Zum Schaden des ganzen Landes. Wir haben das im Europäischen Parlament schon klar angesprochen. @avucic will aus persönlichen Gründen den EU Beitritt Serbiens boykottieren
Serbia is moving in the wrong direction.
I welcome @MartaKosEU call for swift accountability following the unacceptable violence, threats and voting irregularities surrounding the recent local elections.
Yesterday's raid on the University of Belgrade, and the decision to enact laws undermining judicial independence and the fight against high-level corruption, are part of the same trend.
The development runs contrary to the fundamentals of the EU accession process: Free and fair elections, human rights, and the rule of law.
The EU Commission is assessing Serbia's adherence to the criteria for EU financial support.
Serbiens Präs. Vucic hat eine direkte Attacke auf die Autonomie der Unis angeordnet, deren Studenten seit über einem Jahr gegen ihn demonstrieren. Die Regimemedien erhalten von der Polizei gesetzeswidrig Informationen:
https://t.co/2GODYnBrFv
While Aleksandar Vučić hailed the local elections as a "democratic holiday," independent watchdogs reported widespread fraud, gang intimidation, and a bizarre PR campaign led by conservative U.S. podcasters.
https://t.co/feRDM9WuUb
This is what @avucic 's democracy looks like: accredited election observers being beaten up by thugs from his @SNSSerbia party outside local polling stations.
Friends of the @EPP : is it acceptable for one of your member parties to behave in this way?