MEPs: Serbia's Alliance 90/The Greens Party Does Not Embody EU Values

European parliament

Multiple members of the European Parliament have accused the Serbian version of the Alliance 90/The Greens party -- titled Savez 90/Zeleni Srbije -- of misappropriating the name, ideas and visual identity of the German green party Bundes 90/Die Grunen, claiming that the Serbian party's activities do not follow democratic standards or EU values.

Said MEPs, including Thomas Waitz, the co-chair of the European Green Party, and Viola von Cramon-Taubadel, a representative of the German Greens and EP rapporteur for Kosovo, have both condemned "the creation of phantom movements and parties using the identities of genuinely green movements in Europe."

"We want to make clear that the 'Savez 90/Zeleni Srbije' party is using the name, visual identity and credibility of the German green party without permission in an attempt to deceive Serbia's voters, who are increasingly aware of [their] country's environmental problems. We'd like to underline that neither the German Greens nor the European Green Party have any formal ties or any kind of collaboration with the 'Savez 90/Zeleni Srbije' party," Von Cramen and Waitz said in a joint press release.

The statement, signed by seven MEPs, emphasized that there are parties, movements and organizations in Serbia "which truly promote and nurture green values and ideas."

"Our natural and soon official partners include the Do Not Let Belgrade D(r)own movement, the Together for Serbia party, the Action Open Citizens' Platform and the We Must coalition -- who are at the front lines of gree values and policies in Serbia," the MEPs concluded, adding that Serbia's current political climate "requires a significant shift toward a more pluralistic, progressive and inclusive political environment."