We celebrate 9 May, Europe Day, as a day on which the Schuman Declaration was published 76 years ago, document that marked the beginning of creation of today’s European Union. From the ashes of historical conflicts, emerged a community founded on the idea that European nations should build their future on cooperation, solidarity, the rule of law, and shared responsibility.
At a time of devastating wars on the borders of the European Union, rise of authoritarian politics, and deep social polarization, the importance of European integration is more evident than ever. Peace that the European Union has preserved among its Member States stands as one of the greatest political and civilizational achievements of modern history. Europe Day therefore reminds us that peace, democracy, and freedom require strong institutions, responsibility, dialogue, and ability to resolve conflicts through rules and negotiation.
Serbia marks this Europe Day amid a deep political and social crisis. The process of accession to the European Union has become trapped between declarative commitment and practice of Serbian authorites that undermines the values without which neither European integration nor the state itself can have meaning. Rule of law, fight against corruption, free media, independent institutions, accountable authorities, and free elections are not mere technical conditions – they are foundations of a normal, decent, and fair society.
Serbia belongs to Europe geographically, historically, culturally, and in values. But Europe also belongs to Serbia, to its citizens, to their freedom, dignity, and right to a well-functioning and just state. That is why membership in the European Union is not a renunciation of state integrity or sovereignty, but is Serbia’s highest national interest and a path towards the country it should be: free, righteous, responsible, and peaceful.
The European Movement in Serbia will continue to advocate for Serbia’s full membership in the European Union, rather than for alternatives, simulations, or policies without genuine democratic transformation. We will continue to support reforms that are not intended merely for Brussels from which only financial support is expected, but for the citizens of Serbia who seek a normal life in their own country. This means fighting corruption, protecting freedom of speech and media freedom, respecting the academic community, civil society and movements, rebuilding trust in institutions that must serve the public interest, and maintaining a clear commitment to peace, cooperation, and the European future of the region.
We extend our congratulations to all citizens on 9 May, Europe Day.
We celebrate 9 May, Europe Day, as a day on which the Schuman Declaration was published 76 years ago, document that marked the beginning of creation of today’s European Union. From the ashes of historical conflicts, emerged a community founded on the idea that European nations should build their future on cooperation, solidarity, the rule of law, and shared responsibility.
At a time of devastating wars on the borders of the European Union, rise of authoritarian politics, and deep social polarization, the importance of European integration is more evident than ever. Peace that the European Union has preserved among its Member States stands as one of the greatest political and civilizational achievements of modern history. Europe Day therefore reminds us that peace, democracy, and freedom require strong institutions, responsibility, dialogue, and ability to resolve conflicts through rules and negotiation.
Serbia marks this Europe Day amid a deep political and social crisis. The process of accession to the European Union has become trapped between declarative commitment and practice of Serbian authorites that undermines the values without which neither European integration nor the state itself can have meaning. Rule of law, fight against corruption, free media, independent institutions, accountable authorities, and free elections are not mere technical conditions – they are foundations of a normal, decent, and fair society.
Serbia belongs to Europe geographically, historically, culturally, and in values. But Europe also belongs to Serbia, to its citizens, to their freedom, dignity, and right to a well-functioning and just state. That is why membership in the European Union is not a renunciation of state integrity or sovereignty, but is Serbia’s highest national interest and a path towards the country it should be: free, righteous, responsible, and peaceful.
The European Movement in Serbia will continue to advocate for Serbia’s full membership in the European Union, rather than for alternatives, simulations, or policies without genuine democratic transformation. We will continue to support reforms that are not intended merely for Brussels from which only financial support is expected, but for the citizens of Serbia who seek a normal life in their own country. This means fighting corruption, protecting freedom of speech and media freedom, respecting the academic community, civil society and movements, rebuilding trust in institutions that must serve the public interest, and maintaining a clear commitment to peace, cooperation, and the European future of the region.
We extend our congratulations to all citizens on 9 May, Europe Day.
