EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's Visit to Serbia: A Controversial Engagement

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's visit to Serbia on October 15, 2025, comes amid ongoing protests and political unrest in the country. The protests were initially sparked by the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities and highlighted issues of corruption and governmental accountability. The Serbian government, led by President Aleksandar Vucic, has faced increasing criticism for its handling of dissent, with allegations of violent repression against demonstrators and opposition members.

History of undeserved praise for Vucic

During her visit, von der Leyen emphasized the need for Serbia to demonstrate tangible progress in areas such as the rule of law, electoral integrity, and media freedom as part of its EU accession process. She stated, “Now is the moment for Serbia to get concrete about joining our union,” urging the Serbian leadership to implement necessary reforms. However, her visit has drawn significant criticism from various European political parties and civil society groups, who argue that it risks legitimizing Vucic's authoritarian practices.

EuronewsBalkan InsightPolitico EuropeHistory of undeserved praise for Vucic

Von der Leyen acknowledged the challenges Serbia faces, stating, “I know these reforms are not easy. They take patience and endurance.” She also highlighted the importance of including all societal segments in the reform process. In contrast, the European Green Party and other political entities criticized her visit, asserting that it sends the wrong signal by appearing to support an autocratic regime. They called for the EU to condition financial support on genuine democratic reforms and accountability for the Novi Sad tragedy.

European Greens: Von der Leyen’s visit to Vucic sends the wrong signal

The European Green Party, along with the European Democratic Party and the Party of European Socialists, issued a joint statement urging von der Leyen to stand with the Serbian people rather than Vucic. They condemned the ongoing repression of protests and called for a clear stance in support of democracy. Vula Tsetsi, co-chair of the European Green Party, remarked, “If the Commission allows this visit to proceed without clear conditions... it will be remembered as the moment Europe lost its moral compass.”

European Greens: Von der Leyen’s visit to Vucic sends the wrong signal

While von der Leyen praised Serbia's alignment with EU foreign policy, stating it has reached 61% alignment, critics argue that this is insufficient given the ongoing repression and lack of democratic reforms. Vucic defended his government's actions, claiming that Serbia is a “world champion in freedom of assembly,” despite widespread reports of police violence against protesters.

Balkan Insight

As Serbia continues to navigate its EU accession process, the pressure for reform remains high. Von der Leyen's visit has opened discussions about the need for concrete actions rather than mere rhetoric. The upcoming months will be crucial as Serbia faces both internal demands for democratic governance and external expectations from the EU regarding alignment with its values and policies.

Euronews

• “Now is the moment for Serbia to get concrete about joining our union,” — Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission

Politico Europe

• “We must not reward autocrats,” — Joint statement by European political parties

Balkan Insight

In summary, von der Leyen's visit to Serbia highlights the complex interplay between EU aspirations and the realities of governance in Serbia, raising critical questions about the EU's role in promoting democracy and accountability in the region.

Euronews