Based on its European values, the EU ought to take a clear position on the events in Serbia, meaning supporting student and citizen protesters, senior associate of the Democratization Policy Council Bodo Weber told N1 on Sept. 11.
The official added that statements during a debate in the European Parliament after several months of escalating violence against demonstrators in Serbia showed that European institutions and European political circles needed to at least partially recognize reality.
"Yet I remain suspicious that this is not yet on the level of a political turnabout, i.e. no clear alternative policy is in sight, except this policy of a firm alliance with the regime of Aleksandar Vucic," Weber said, adding that the EU's strong endorsement and engagement were necessary.
"I am afraid that we are not yet there, I am afraid that Ursula fon der Leyen is the most stubborn factor in the EU's institutions, but that is something that would be sorely needed and would clearly make it known to the regime in Serbia that a Serbia like this, with a regime like this, the road to the EU is not just de facto, but in terms of political and democratic logic and the EU's values, closed and that there is no progress nor perspective of membership," Weber said.
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