"A broad, united and responsible pro-European front is the only realistic path to democratic renewal and to defeating authoritarian drift through the ballot box. Dispersing democratic energies would only strengthen the status quo. Unity, credibility and respect for European standards are the way forward," the EDP said in its statement.
Ahead of the presentation of an opinion of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe on the recently adopted set of judicial laws (so-called Mrdic laws), five pro-European opposition parties - the People's Movement of Serbia, the Free Citizens Movement, Serbia Center - SRCE, the Freedom and Justice Party, and the Green-Left Front have warned that "endemic corruption is seriously threatening the functioning of the state and has direct, tragic consequences for people's lives."
"The Statement outlines a clear and ambitious roadmap for restoring judicial independence, strengthening democratic institutions, depoliticizing the police and security services, and intensifying the fight against high-level corruption, fully aligned with European Union standards. It underlines the urgency of addressing the deep institutional crisis and the systematic erosion of the rule of law under the current government," says the EDP.
The party's secretary general and a member of the European Parliament, Sandro Gozi, said that "the unity of all democratic and pro-European forces opposing (Serbian) President (Aleksandar) Vucic’s government is essential," adding that "fragmentation would be the greatest gift to those who have weakened Serbia’s institutions over the years."
At this moment, political actors must show responsibility and put the country before partisan interests. Only a broad and credible coalition, open also to the energy and engagement of students and civil society, be it through a joint election ticket or other forms of cooperation, can offer Serbian citizens a real alternative in the next general election, Gozi pointed out.
He also warned that "the recent judicial reforms and the concentration of power in the hands of the executive are moving Serbia further away from European standards" and added that President Vucic's statement that Serbia was ready to join the EU even without the right of veto was not supported by facts.
"Accession to the EU is not a matter of political slogans. It requires solid guarantees on the rule of law, judicial independence, fundamental rights, and an effective fight against corruption. On these points, Serbia still has significant work ahead," Gozi stressed.
The first decisive test, he added, will be the integrity and fairness of the next electoral process, whenever it is called, because "free and fair elections are the foundation of any credible European perspective."