The European Movement in Serbia condemns in the strongest possible terms the decision of President Aleksandar Vučić and the ruling coalition to adopt the proposed so-called “Mrdić” judiciary laws, which represent an undisguised attempt by the executive authorities to place the Serbian judiciary fully under their control after the constitutional amendments. This decision is unworthy of a civilised European state in the 21st century. It is unacceptable that these, in principle, “systemic laws”- which have a broad and long-term effect on the organization of the judiciary and thereby on the state and society – were adopted under an urgent procedure, in violation of prescribed rules, without public debate, and in defiance of the objections and criticism voiced by the professional community, including representatives of the courts and prosecution service and civil society organisations. Equally unacceptable is the fact that the consultation process with the European Commission and the Venice Commission was simply disregarded.

The European Movement in Serbia stresses that this case represents a drastic step backwards in alignment with the standards and recommendations of the European Union. As is well known, Negotiating Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) is one of the key chapters in the process of negotiations with the EU. It determines the pace and overall dynamics of negotiations, and is a prerequisite for moving into the final phase of negotiations (the closing of chapters) once the so-called interim benchmarks for Chapters 23 and 24 have been met.

This decision only reinforces long-standing assessments that Aleksandar Vučić and the SNS do not want Serbia to truly become a member of the EU, despite their rhetorical commitment to continuing Serbia’s “European path.” After more than a year of citizens’ protests in Serbia and demands for respect for the principles of accountability and the rule of law and for the organisation of democratic elections, SNS authorities responded with measures of repression and vindictiveness, as well as steps leading to the further distancing of Serbia from its integration into the EU. The recent cosmetic reorganisation of the Government of Serbia’s EU accession team, therefore, changes nothing in a positive sense and represents merely a marketing move by which the Serbian authorities mainly seek to preserve access to European funds and to the privileges deriving from the status of an EU candidate country.

The European Movement in Serbia will continue to advocate for Serbia in the European Union and to act toward bringing together all sincere pro-European forces in the country so that this historic goal can be achieved.