European Parliament urges Serbia to prosecute Milan Radoicic for Banjska attack

Serbia's progress towards membership in the European Union has stalled in recent years, while the European Parliament's main concerns relate to the state of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental freedoms, according to a draft report published on the country.

The report, which was prepared by the European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, stresses that the country has not made significant progress in fulfilling the membership requirements in many negotiation chapters. According to the document, the Serbian authorities must urgently address the issues of political polarization, rising tensions, the need for structural reforms in the rule of law, the fight against corruption and organized crime, the independence of the judiciary, media freedom and public administration reform.

Another particular concern relates to the normalization of relations with Kosovo, which remains an essential element for Serbia's European perspective. The report underlines the need for a comprehensive agreement on this process, in line with the European Union's foreign policy.

The report also expresses concern about the political and social situation in the country, including the mass protests that began in November 2024. “These protests reflect deep dissatisfaction among citizens and students, who are demanding accountability and reforms related to the rule of law,” the document says. The European parliamentarians emphasize that peaceful demonstrators, students, activists and journalists have faced repressive measures, including excessive use of police force, arbitrary arrests and intimidation.

The report also highlights the European Parliament's concern about the recent amendments to the judiciary laws adopted by the National Assembly on 28 January 2026. According to the document, these amendments "weaken the independence of the judiciary and the autonomy of the prosecutor's office" and represent a serious step back on Serbia's path towards EU membership. The Serbian authorities are called upon to suspend the implementation of these amendments and review them immediately.

The draft report also mentions the visit of a delegation of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee to Serbia from 22 to 24 January 2026. During the visit, the rapporteurs were faced with unacceptable behaviour, insults and negative rhetoric from the authorities and some citizens, which the European Parliament finds worrying.

Regarding security in the region, the document emphasizes the need for full cooperation between Serbia and Kosovo, including the prosecution of the perpetrators of the terrorist attack in Banjska in 2023, with a particular focus on Milan Radoićić, the deputy leader of the Serbian List, who has not yet been prosecuted.

According to the report, Serbia must progress on the basis of measurable and sustainable results in each negotiating chapter, ensuring full respect for democratic principles and the rule of law, as well as taking immediate measures to improve media freedom and protect citizens' rights.

The draft report concludes by urging the Serbian authorities to follow the European Union's guidelines and meet the necessary criteria to resume progress towards membership, stressing that the lack of concrete actions threatens the country's internal stability and European perspective.

The Geopost