The European Union has warned that Serbia could lose access to approximately 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion) in EU funds if the country does not address concerns over democratic backsliding, according to EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos [1]. Kos stated that the European Commission is currently assessing whether Serbia still fulfills the conditions required for payments under the EU’s financial instruments [1].
The warning follows reports from international monitors who observed violence and irregularities during last month’s local elections in 10 Serbian municipalities [1]. Kos outlined the EU’s concerns, which include laws undermining judicial independence, crackdowns on protesters, and repeated interference in independent media [1].
Serbia has already received 110 million euros ($130 million) from the EU fund aimed at promoting growth in countries aspiring to join the bloc, but the remaining 1.5 billion euros are now at risk [1]. The EU has intensified efforts to integrate Western Balkan nations since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, amid fears that Moscow could destabilize the region [1].
Experts from the Venice Commission, Europe’s main democracy and constitutional affairs body, visited Serbia last month to assess these issues and are expected to deliver an urgent opinion in the coming weeks [1]. Kos emphasized that Brussels expects Serbia to fully align its judicial laws with the Venice Commission’s recommendations and restore media independence [1].
CONCLUSION
The EU’s warning places significant financial pressure on Serbia to address democratic concerns, with €1.5 billion in funding at stake. The outcome of the Venice Commission’s urgent opinion and Serbia’s subsequent actions will be closely watched by both the EU and international observers.