Kos: EU calls for creation of conditions for inclusive dialogue in Serbia

EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said today that the European Union is calling for the creation of conditions in Serbia for inclusive dialogue in which all parties would be involved, as well as that this is the joint responsibility of all of them.

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She posted on X that she is closely following the situation in Serbia and that her message is that the European agenda provides solutions for many issues that are at the center of discussions today.

"It is important to create the conditions for inclusive dialogue that includes all interested parties, political actors, institutions and members of civil society who will deal with the reforms that are necessary for the European future of Serbia," stated Kos.

She stressed that this will strengthen Serbian society and consolidate Serbia's path towards EU membership.

In her own letter, which she says she penned because of the one she received from members of the Serbian academia, political representatives and civil society organizations regarding the current situation in country, Kos stated that she is closely following protests in Serbia and that she wants to respond to the expressed concerns and to remind what the EU stands for.

"Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right. It must be exercised peacefully and in accordance with the law. We have witnessed incidents against demonstrators. We expect full, impartial and quick investigations. Violence cannot be tolerated. We expect the Serbian police to continue to ensure the safety of demonstrators. Language that incites violence and a lack of mutual respect cannot be the solution," said Kos.

She added that the priority of the EU and (Commission) President Ursula von der Leyen is to support Serbia's progress on its EU path and the goal of joining the European Union, as well as that the path to EU membership includes reforms that incorporate common values into legislation and practice.

"Serbia's path to the European Union offers solutions to many issues that are at the heart of the discussion today. Reforms that are part of the EU accession process will strengthen the fight against corruption, ensure the independence of the judiciary and the accountability of institutions, promote media freedom and media pluralism and improve electoral conditions. If properly implemented, these reforms will have a transformative effect that will benefit all citizens and bring Serbia closer to the EU," stated the EU commissioner.

Kos added that the EU accession process requires an intensive effort by the entire society and that it should be a national project owned by everyone - the government, parliament, opposition, civil society, every region, city and village, and every citizen in the country.

(Telegraf.rs/Tanjug)