European Union (EU) Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos told N1 that the demands of the people protesting in Serbia are the same demands that the EU has for Serbia on its European path. Commenting on the phone conversation between Telekom Srbija and United Group CEOs, she said that no political or economic pressure on the media is good for the state of democracy.
Commissioner Kos said the European Union is concerned about the developments in Serbia because it wants Serbia to stay strong on the European path, and is willing to help Serbia fulfill the conditions needed for it to become a member of the EU.
“Being a candidate for European Union membership comes with responsibility and commitment from both sides. My task as Commissioner for Enlargement and of the whole European Commission and European Parliament is that we are all willing to help because we all believe there is a future for Serbia in the European Union,” she stressed.
On the other hand, she said, there are things that need to change in Serbia.
Asked if she can trust the Serbian government and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic, who calls MEPs scum, Kos said:
“I trust the people of Serbia. The people of Serbia have started protests and they are the ones who can change the system and who can bring on the democratic processes. That trust is very important. The higher the trust the easier it is for people to understand why reforms are needed. And in this respect, the European Union also gets the trust from the people of Serbia. Many demands of your people are the same demands that we have for Serbia on its European path. And that is why I would like the Serbian people to see us as allies who can help reach what they want.”
When discussing the media in Serbia, she said it is crucial for state institutions in Serbia to create an environment where journalists can work normally and people can receive information.
She also mentioned that people do not have enough information when it comes to Serbia’s integration into the EU.
The Commissioner said the EU needs to see a transformation process happening in Serbia, and that leadership plays an immense role. When the leaders put day-to-day politics above the necessary reforms, when the politicians speak against Europe, when politicians are participating at a military parade in Moscow or in Beijing, this is affecting the public opinion, not only at the level of ministers or prime minister, but also among the citizens of the EU, Kos said.
Commenting on the phone conversation between Telekom Srbija CEO Vladimir Lucic and United Group CEO Stan Miller, Commissioner Kos said that no political or economic pressure on the media is good for the state of democracy.
Source: N1
