Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic visited Brussels, where he met with the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Following their meeting, Vucic said that Serbia remains committed to strengthening cooperation and stability in the region, while Kos described the meeting on social media platform X as “constructive.”
“I emphasised that enlargement is a whole of society process. This is not possible without strong civil society and independent media,” Kos wrote in an X post.
Protests in Serbia have been ongoing for over four months, and following a recent protest deemed one of the largest in the country’s modern history, demonstrators claim that the regime used state violence against them, reported N1 Slovenia.
Disappointed with the European Union’s position, many feel abandoned by Brussels, a sentiment reflected in the sharp reactions to Kos’s post after her meeting with Vucic.
During their meeting, Kos discussed with Vucic concrete steps Serbia needs to take towards EU accession and reiterated expectations for Belgrade to clearly confirm its European orientation.
“I had a constructive meeting with President Vucic. I emphasised that enlargement is a whole of society process. This is not possible without strong civil society and independent media. It is the best way forward,” wrote Kos.
However, many social media users reacted negatively to her post.
“Anything short of calling for the terrorists Vucic to resign can be seen as an act of hostility towards Serbia,” read one comment.
Others pointed out Brussels’ hypocrisy, arguing that anything involving Vucic cannot be constructive, with some directly pleading with Kos to refrain from such statements.
“Please stop!!! If you don’t want to help us it’s okay. (At this rate) You will lose the support of the last Serbian citizen who still advocates for the EU.”
Low support for the European Union in Serbia has further eroded due to these Brussels positions, a concern voiced by many Serbian citizens. Criticism hasn’t come only from Serbia but also from Slovenia.
“Marta, you represent the EU. The citizens of Serbia expect understanding and support, not such nonsensical statements. Come to your senses,” a user wrote. Others were even more direct: “You met with a person who less than a week ago attempted to mass murder peaceful citizens with banned sonic weapons, and that’s all you have to say?”
Protests in Serbia have been ongoing since November last year, with one of the largest rallies in recent history held in Belgrade last weekend. Demonstrators accuse the government of corruption, repression, media restrictions, and undermining the rule of law, which could pose significant obstacles on Serbia’s path to the EU.
Public outrage was particularly stoked by the government’s admission that they possess a sound cannon, but deny its use during the March 15 protest. Nevertheless, demonstrators assert that videos and testimonials prove the weapon was used against them.
Reactions to Brussels are growing increasingly severe.
“The role of the European Union in undermining democracy in Serbia is enormous. The European Union is most responsible for the long-term survival of president Vucic in power by supporting stabilocracy at the expense of civil liberties and civil rights. Your statement is shameful in every respect,” a user commented on Marta Kos’s post.
Vucic, known for his balancing act between the EU and Moscow, viewed his meeting with Kos as a preparation for important discussions with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Charles Michel, which are expected in the coming days.
On Wednesday in Brussels, he also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Tanjug reported. Key topics of discussion included bilateral cooperation between Serbia and NATO, the Alliance’s presence in Kosovo, and the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
