In its first official reaction to Serbia's Finance Ministry's Department for Preventing Money Laundering and Financing Terrorism's announced investigation into money flow of many NGOs, media and journalists, the European Commission (EC) said on Wednesday it followed the issue closely, the N1 reported.
„We expect further information from the relevant authorities on the request, including information regarding the selection criteria,“ Ana Pisonero, the EC spokesperson told an online news conference.
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She added that „we have to say the fighting money laundering is an important pillar of Serbia’s EU integration.“
„At the same time, we are also clear that an empowered social society is a crucial component of any democratic system and it should be recognised and treated as such by the state institutions. The civil society organisations and human rights defenders should play a key role in raising awareness about civilian and political rights, and they need to be allowed to operate freely,“ Pisonero said.
