Sweden temporarily suspends aid to Serbian government: Reason – corruption, problems with media freedom and the rule of law, money redirected to civil society

The Swedish government has decided to temporarily suspend part of its financial aid to Serbian state institutions and redirect the funds to strengthening civil society due to, as it states, the deterioration of the rule of law, corruption, and media freedom.

The Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that “developments in Serbia are going in the wrong direction – from increasing corruption to a lack of respect for the rule of law.”

“Countries cannot expect Swedish support if they do not implement the reforms and progress we expect of them. That is why we are introducing these changes now,” said Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa.

Stockholm states that it has long observed a lack of progress in reforms in Serbia, particularly with regard to the rule of law, the fight against corruption, and the protection of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and the media.

In line with the principles of “merits for European integration,” Sweden says that countries that show progress will be rewarded, while support will be reduced or frozen for those that do not respect fundamental rights and democratic standards.

“We have therefore decided to temporarily suspend certain forms of aid to the Serbian state and redirect the funds to civil society organizations,” the statement said./Nova.rs/