Members of the European Parliament will vote on a resolution on the Serbian elections on February 8. The resolution follows debates in plenary and in the EP Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET), during which MEPs mostly criticized the elections held in Serbia on December 17. International and local observation missions have documented serious electoral irregularities, the most significant of which were observed during local elections in Belgrade. According to CRTA, organized voter migrations occurred to such an extent that they crucially influenced the outcome of the very close elections for the Belgrade Municipal Assembly.
Concerning the Serbian elections, the European Parliament’s resolution on Serbia, as well as the opposition’s request for an international investigation, we spoke with MEPs from the Socialists and Democrats (S&D) group, Matjaž Nemec.
European Western Balkans: During the debate in the European Parliament, you stated that you cannot imagine the future of the EU without Serbia. Given the current state of democracy, how feasible is Serbia’s progress towards EU membership?
Matjaž Nemec: It’s true, it is difficult for me to imagine the idea of a European Union without Serbia and the other countries of the Western Balkans. Enlargement to the Balkans is strategically very important for the EU, especially at a time when we are surrounded by conflict and instability.
On the other hand, membership would bring many benefits and, ultimately, prosperity to the Serbian people. Ultimately, our common goal is to live better and in peace. So the question is not so much whether I see Serbia in the Union, but rather whether Serbian political leaders share this pro-EU vision. Is membership in the Union really their ultimate goal?
Judging by the numerous statements and actions of the ruling government, it seems that sitting on several chairs at once – Russian, Chinese, American and European – greatly pleases them. Furthermore, it seems to benefit them in many ways, which should be alarming for the Union. The Union must not simply be an ATM, quote, but rather a strategic partner which shares the values of democracy, the rule of law, peace and freedom and which is aligned in foreign policy with the candidate country. Right now we need more honesty, political will and tangible results from Serbia to be able to talk about a credible partner.
ISF: Do you expect increased engagement from the EU regarding the elections and meeting demands from citizens and the opposition to open an international investigation into electoral irregularities?
M.N.: I believe our activation is crucial. Calls for an independent investigation are coming from the European Parliament, Serbian civil society and rightly disappointed voters. The chairmen of foreign affairs committees from 20 European countries are also calling on EU leaders to act. The pressure on institutions and the international community to intervene is significant. Our commitments and positions must not remain mere words on paper!
The Serbian people deserve democracy; many fight for this every day. Fair and free elections are the key to democratically elected authorities. Given all the accusations, testimonies and irregularities recorded during the December elections, it is impossible to speak of fairness and freedom.
ISF: What will be the impact of the European elections in June on the involvement of the European Parliament? Does Parliament have enough time to actively participate in an international investigation?
New Mexico: This year’s European elections will certainly slow down to some extent or temporarily interrupt ongoing policies and activities. Time is not on our side, but that is why we, the European institutions, are striving to finalize all important political achievements before June or May. The same goes for enlargement policy and all related activities.
I hope that international and domestic experts will actively participate in the research. For the moment, it is not clear how we will involve the European institutions or European parliamentarians. However, it is crucial to define the framework as early as possible. We must act urgently, as I have already mentioned in previous answers: our commitments must not remain mere words on paper. I am also working towards this goal.
ISF: How do you assess the situation in Serbia after the elections? Can we speak of a deep political crisis?
M.N.: Serbia is in a deep political crisis. The atmosphere is toxic, very polarized, and that is never good for a country. The elections left behind a large number of disappointed people, individuals who want their votes to help elect fair representatives. They want their country to progress in a direction where they can prosper on their own.
However, we find ourselves in a situation where young people do not see a future in Serbia, where the majority of workers are underpaid, where non-governmental organizations are targets of political criticism and lies and where the majority of the landscape media is under the control of those in power. I sincerely hope that among politicians reason will prevail and that they will understand that the people and the country deserve more than that.
ISF: The opposition has not yet decided whether it will accept mandates and enter the National Assembly. How do you view the possibility of a new boycott of institutions?
NM: For me, boycotting is not the solution, so I really don’t want this scenario. I believe that within the opposition, there is disappointment and a feeling of injustice. However, by boycotting you are only giving even more power to the opposing party. Perseverance and sincere efforts are also rewarded in politics. I believe in it too.