EP worried by Serbia's ruling party dominance during June general elections

Bilčík welcomed the fact that the European Union remained Serbia's strategic goal and was satisfied is pleased with authorities in Belgrade's efforts to align regulations with EU standards.

However, he said the pace of European integration would primarily depend on the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, adding the normalisation of relations with Kosovo was one of the key conditions for that.

Bilčík insisted on the importance of the OSCE / ODIHR election report saying, the election process was efficient, but added that he was very concerned about the dominance of the ruling parties, particularly in the media, and called on the authorities to implement the OSCE report's recommendations before the next election cycle.

He also regretted the decision of the majority of the opposition to boycott the last parliamentary elections in Serbia.

"I reiterate that the only way to ensure the political representation of their voters is through participation in political and electoral processes," Bilčík said in the draft report.

For the whole draft report, click here.

The draft report will be on the agenda of the EP Foreign Affairs Council in December, while the voting on the report is scheduled for February 2021.