Serbia Faces EU Reform Pressure Amid Protests

Serbia's bid to join the European Union faces significant obstacles unless the government accelerates reforms in the judiciary, media, and election laws, according to EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos. The country has experienced months of anti-government protests sparked by a tragic accident, with demonstrators demanding accountability and transparency. These protests present a serious challenge to President Aleksandar Vucic and have contributed to a slowdown in economic growth, particularly in the tourism sector. Despite these challenges, Prime Minister Djuro Macut reaffirmed Serbia's commitment to EU integration but acknowledged that the process will be lengthy. The EU's demands align closely with the concerns of Serbian protesters, emphasizing the need for substantive changes before accession talks can progress. Serbia continues to balance its EU aspirations with historic ties to Russia, as highlighted by Vucic's planned attendance at a Moscow military parade.