RFE: EU officials warn against preventing freedom of assembly

RFE asked the EU sources for a comment on the coming mass protest in Belgrade on March 15 which Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has claimed will include violence caused by the opposition.

“Fundamental values are in the core of our common European project and should be respected… including freedom of assembly as a basic right,” RFE was told.

A written reply said that the EU has consistently called for an easing of tensions, an inclusive dialogue by all interested parties to deal with the reforms needed for Serbia’s future in the EU.

RFE said that EU officials confirmed they are carefully monitoring the political situation in Serbia and the vast mobilization of students and others. The EU officials warned that misinformation and political rhetoric, including against the EU and its member states has no place on the path to European integration.