EU Urges Serbia to Advance Democratic Reforms Amid Ongoing Protests

During her recent visit to Belgrade, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the necessity for Serbia to take decisive actions towards its European Union (EU) membership aspirations. At a press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on October 15, 2025, von der Leyen stated, “Now is the moment for Serbia to get concrete about joining our Union,” highlighting the importance of progress in the rule of law, electoral framework, and media freedom. She acknowledged the challenges of implementing these reforms but insisted they are essential for Serbia's EU integration.

“Reforms should be implemented without further delay”Change in tone for some, disappointment for othersDW NewsTanjug AMPPolitico Europe“It is time for Serbia to be concrete” in its desire to join the EU (von der Leyen)Balkan InsightCommission President urges Serbia to implement democratic reforms and sanction Russia

The backdrop to von der Leyen's visit includes months of anti-government protests in Serbia, which were ignited by the tragic collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad railway station in November 2024, resulting in 16 fatalities. These protests have evolved into broader demands for early elections and accountability from the Vucic administration, which has faced accusations of authoritarianism and heavy-handed policing. Despite these calls, Vucic has rejected the demand for early elections, asserting his government’s commitment to democratic principles.

Commission President urges Serbia to implement democratic reforms and sanction Russia

Von der Leyen urged Serbia to align its foreign policy more closely with the EU, particularly regarding sanctions against Russia, which Serbia has historically refrained from imposing. She noted that Serbia's current alignment stands at 61 percent, indicating room for improvement. The EU's insistence on these reforms reflects broader geopolitical concerns, especially in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine and the potential for increased Russian influence in the Balkans.

EU tells Serbia to ‘get concrete’ on reforms and align with Russia sanctionsPolitico Europe“It is time for Serbia to be concrete” in its desire to join the EU (von der Leyen)Commission President urges Serbia to implement democratic reforms and sanction RussiaDW NewsChange in tone for some, disappointment for othersTanjug AMPBalkan Insight

Critics, including various European political parties and civil society organizations, have expressed discontent with von der Leyen's visit, arguing that it risks legitimizing Vucic's increasingly authoritarian regime. The European Greens and the Party of European Socialists have called for a stronger stance against the repression of protests and the need for genuine democratic reforms. They contend that the EU should not reward autocratic governance, especially amid ongoing civil unrest.

Change in tone for some, disappointment for others

In her remarks, von der Leyen reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting Serbia's democratic journey, stating, “We stand for freedom instead of oppression, including the right of peaceful assembly.” Vucic, for his part, reaffirmed that EU membership remains a strategic priority for Serbia, despite the lack of progress in accession talks since the onset of the Ukraine conflict.

Change in tone for some, disappointment for othersBalkan Insight“Reforms should be implemented without further delay”Tanjug AMPPolitico EuropeCommission President urges Serbia to implement democratic reforms and sanction RussiaDW NewsEU tells Serbia to ‘get concrete’ on reforms and align with Russia sanctions

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

Tanjug AMP

• “we live in a fractured world, with a widening gap between democracies and autocracies” — Ursula von der Leyen

“Reforms should be implemented without further delay”

• “Membership in the European Union is a strategic commitment and the priority of our foreign policy,” — Aleksandar Vucic, President of Serbia

“It is time for Serbia to be concrete” in its desire to join the EU (von der Leyen)

• “We must not reward autocrats,” — European Greens statement regarding von der Leyen's visit

Balkan Insight

As Serbia navigates its path towards EU membership amidst internal unrest and external pressures, the EU's expectations for democratic reforms and alignment with its foreign policy remain critical. The coming months will be pivotal in determining whether Serbia can meet these challenges and progress towards its long-held goal of EU integration.

EU tells Serbia to ‘get concrete’ on reforms and align with Russia sanctions