European Democrats’ Gozi: Vucic claims need to be verified

“Let us not delude ourselves: the “progress towards democracy” claimed by President Vučić still needs to be verified. Concerns persist regarding media freedom, judicial independence, and the impartial policing of peaceful demonstrations. The European Union should not lower its guard: each stage of the accession process must remain strictly conditional on full respect for the freedom of peaceful assembly, effective safeguards for independent media, electoral standards in line with OSCE/ODIHR, and genuine judicial independence alongside a verifiable fight against corruption,” an X post quoted him as saying.

The post on the European Democrats profile welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s statements in Belgrade, saying that she spoke about the situation in Serbia with clarity. “Until now she had largely remained silent on Serbia, despite serious rule-of-law concerns in recent months. It is clear she has heeded our joint appeal—together with other European political families—to speak with greater clarity about the situation,” the X post said.

He added that the protest gathering on November 1, the anniversary of the canopy collapse at Novi Sad Railway Station, will be an important early test of whether Vucic’s commitments are real. “Let us be clear: Serbia belongs to our European family, but only when it upholds fundamental rights and the rule of law. Our commitment is first and foremost to the Serbian people, who seek dignity, freedom, and a credible European future,” Gozi said.