I have been closely following the situation in Serbia over the past year, after the horrific collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad on 1 November 2024. Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right and core value of our Union that must be respected. It must be exercised peacefully and in accordance with the law.
Ireland is a strong supporter of merit-based EU enlargement and believes that candidate and potential candidate countries must implement all necessary reforms, including adherence to the rule of law and EU fundamental values, to progress towards EU membership.
As outlined in the most recent Enlargement Package, notwithstanding Serbia progressing towards EU acquis in a range of areas, including economic integration with the EU, the Commission confirmed that civil society operates in a difficult environment and that Serbia needs to progress previous recommendations in relation to freedom of expression.
President Von der Leyen used her recent visit to Serbia to call for the implementation of necessary reforms, including on the rule of law, the electoral framework and media freedom. She stated categorically in her joint press conference with President Vucic that freedom of expression and assembly were fundamental values of the EU, and that adherence to these tenets are expected of all candidate countries. President Von der Leyen’s visit also included meetings with members of civil society in Serbia. The visit was also a timely reminder for Serbian citizens of the opportunities and benefits that can be offered by EU membership.
In September 2025, Ireland opened a resident Embassy in Belgrade. Ahead of Ireland’s EU Presidency next year, the Embassy will engage with the Serbian government and with Serbian civil society to support necessary reforms required for Serbia to progress on their EU path. Ireland will continue to encourage Serbia to implement the necessary reforms needed to align with EU acquis.
