Picula presents Serbia report to European Parliament

“The collapse of the canopy in Novi Sad has become a tragic symbol of systemic corruption, nepotism, and inadequate control mechanisms that should protect citizens but fail to do so…. The media are largely neither free nor accessible to all, the REM (electronic media watchdog) does not function properly, the judiciary selectively dispenses justice, and those who point out problems are subjected to public attacks,” he said.

Picula said he wrote his first report to the European Parliament under conditions that involved undiplomatic practices, baseless accusations, manipulation, and personal attacks. "Despite this, I approached this task professionally, with the best intentions, firmly believing in the openness of the common European project, the transformative potential of membership in the European Union, and the benefits it brings to the citizens of member states, as well as candidate countries," he said.

He said the political reality in Serbia has been extremely complex for a long time, especially in the last six months. “The collapse of the canopy in Novi Sad, when 16 people lost their lives, has become a tragic symbol of systemic corruption, nepotism, and inadequate control mechanisms that should protect citizens. Today we are discussing the situation in a country where electoral legislation has serious shortcomings.

He warned of cases of personal data of protesters being published and illegal means being used against them along with investigations by Russian services, EU citizens being expelled and detained over social media posts and the authorities accusing EU member states of being behind what they call the colored revolution.

Picula added that Serbia stubbornly refuses to align with the EU sanctions policy on Russia.

He said Serbia faces major obstacles on its path to the EU despite some progress.

"In the last decade, the EU has invested billions of euros in Serbia, but public perception, and even the communication of Serbian leaders, largely does not reflect this. Economic growth is often based on non-transparent contracts, which are exempted from the application of public procurement law. Such contracts, in addition to their economic impact, also have a direct political impact," he added.

He said the EU was partly to blame for that situation adding that European Commissioner Marta Kos sent some important messages one her visit to Serbia. According to Picula, statements by top Serbian officials about a formal commitment to European integration sound truly unconvincing and added that President Aleksandar Vucic is planning to go to Moscow and sign new energy agreements with Russia.

He also had words for the Serbian students on a marathon relay run to Strasbourg and Brussels: "I appreciate their dedication and struggle. I have heard their messages clearly from the very beginning and in the report I emphasize the same goals that they advocate for. Since they, as young people, represent the future of their country, the authorities' attitude towards them speaks much more than any party programs about the future”.