Serbia’s Justice Reforms Approved by Venice Commission as Politicians Call for Prosecutor Action

The Venice Commission, the Council of Europe's advisory body on judicial matters, gave a favourable assessment of Serbia’s draft amendments to its justice laws. The commission praised the rapid implementation of eight out of nine recommendations, noting the expansion of the Supreme Prosecutor’s authority and the introduction of an “anti‑deadlock” mechanism to prevent stalemates in the Council of Ministers. President of the Constitutional Court Vladan Petrov said the reforms mark a “significant step towards strengthening the rule of law,” while cautioning that further consultation with legal experts is needed before final adoption.

In parallel, the Freedom and Justice Party (SSP) urged the Serbian prosecutor’s office to launch emergency proceedings against Vojvodina’s ruling party leader Miloš Vučević. The party claims Vučević spread false allegations that citizens demanding justice for the 2022 New Region tragedy are seeking Vojvodina’s separation, linking the claim to a disputed phone‑number narrative and warning that such rhetoric could jeopardise the province’s unity. SSP leader Robert Sebők argued that the statements constitute “dangerous political manipulation” that deserves legal scrutiny.