EU Rule‑of‑Law Concerns Stall Serbia's Path to EU Membership

European Parliament member Tonino Picula warned that Serbia’s political climate has become increasingly violent and polarised, citing a rise in incidents compared with the previous year and systematic weakening of key democratic institutions ahead of upcoming elections. He said President Aleksandar Vučić has begun campaigning for the prime‑ministerial post, and that the situation threatens Serbia’s prospects for EU accession.

Separately, the Dutch foreign ministry officially opposed opening Chapter 3 of the EU accession talks for Serbia, citing serious shortcomings in the rule of law. The Netherlands joins at least four other EU member states, including three Baltic countries and Sweden, in voicing similar objections. Their stance reflects broader EU concerns that Serbia has not taken sufficient steps to strengthen the rule of law or to sanction Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, factors that are seen as pre‑conditions for progress in the enlargement process.