Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has accused EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos, days after the European Union decided to suspend funding for Belgrade over controversial judicial reforms. During a visit to the town of Šid, Vučić said he had cut off communication with several foreign officials, whom he said “have no good intentions towards Serbia.”
"You see I've stopped talking about Marta Kos. I won't say a word about her anymore," he declared
Asked whether as president he should maintain communication with European Union representatives, Vučić responded ironically, implying that his stance towards the European Commissioner is also related to personal reasons.
"What should I talk about with those who lie about Serbia? What is left to talk about? However, for me it is important that Serbia is on its European path." Vucic said
Vučić's reaction comes after the European Union decided to suspend the disbursement of funds to Serbia, due to the failure of Serbian authorities to meet certain conditions.
A few days ago, Marta Kos announced that the EU has temporarily frozen funds from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, after Serbia took steps back in judicial independence.
"For the moment we have stopped all payments, because there has been a regression in the justice system. Until this is corrected, Serbia will not receive European financial support.", she declared during an event at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.
The decision came after the Serbian parliament approved justice reforms without consulting prosecutors, judges, the European Union or other specialized institutions.
Critics say the changes give court leaders more power over judges and weaken guarantees for the independence of prosecutors. The European Commissioner also criticized the political climate in Serbia, citing deep polarization, restrictions on the media and a lack of democratic progress.
"Serbia has been a candidate country for more than a decade and unfortunately we are seeing steps backwards.", declared Kos, while also criticizing Belgrade's closeness to Russia.
"You can't sit on two chairs.", she said, referring to the fact that Serbia continues to maintain close relations with the Kremlin and has not joined sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine.
