Serbia approaches the upcoming parliamentary elections amid a deep political and social crisis. Serbia needs change and reforms. Citizens’ demands for justice, accountability, and a state in which the law applies equally to everyone and institutions serve all citizens equally, rather than only those in power, are at the very heart of the reforms necessary for a normal life in the country, as well as for membership in the European Union.
For more than three decades, the European Movement in Serbia has consistently advocated Serbia’s European integration, convinced that its European future must be a shared goal of all citizens, above political divisions and the interests of individual governments. In the early 1990s, the regime of the time led Serbia into isolation, while the current government has once again distanced Serbia from the European Union and deepened divisions among its citizens.
The erosion of institutions and the rule of law, together with massive corruption in the country, has brought European integration to a standstill. These are also the reasons why citizens are demanding change today.
Serbia must not once again pay the price for such policies and remain on the political and economic periphery of Europe.
The European Union is Serbia’s most important partner, with which it shares deep historical, economic, cultural, educational and family ties. For centuries, we have shared all the triumphs and setbacks of the great European civilisation and relied upon it. We have contributed to it, and it is part of our identity and our home. EU membership is therefore a strategic interest of Serbia and its citizens.
Over the past two years, Serbia’s young people and citizens have already demonstrated, through their actions, what we know how to do, what we want and what we are capable of achieving. Despite enormous obstacles and threats from the authorities, they have paved the way towards a modern Serbia of equal citizens and membership in the European Union. We believe that change will come soon, following a change of government, with the help and cooperation of our neighbours and all our other European friends.
These elections are an opportunity for each of us, through our vote, to determine the direction of Serbia’s development, support the restoration of democratic institutions, and restore the confidence of international partners in the clear vision and capacity of Serbian society to genuinely participate in building Europe’s future.
We therefore call on all citizens to turn out in the largest possible numbers and freely decide the future of their country.
