Rule of law report: Serbia would sit still

The European Commission has released its annual Rule of Law Report, which evaluates the state of rule of law in all EU member states and candidate countries. The report, issued just before the summer break, highlights ongoing concerns over the rule of law in several nations. Among them, Serbia received the worst rating, with the commission noting not only a lack of progress but actual regression in key areas such as judicial independence, anti-corruption measures, media freedom, and the separation of powers. This assessment comes amid continued tensions surrounding Serbia’s accession negotiations, particularly regarding its commitment to democratic reforms and alignment with EU values. The report outlines developments over the past twelve months, focusing on five critical domains: judicial independence, protection against corruption, media freedom and pluralism, respect for the separation of powers, and impacts on the internal market. Each country receives detailed evaluations, often spanning dozens of pages, detailing relevant legal and political changes. These reports serve both preventive purposes, by identifying issues early, and procedural ones, including safeguarding EU funds and potentially halting accession talks. Serbia's situation has become increasingly complex. Despite meeting formal requirements for opening Chapter 3 of accession negotiations, which deals with economic and competitive conditions, in 2001, the country has faced persistent criticism from many EU members. The government led by Prime Minister Aleksandar Vučić has long been perceived as wavering between Russia and the EU, further complicating its path toward membership. Recent efforts to improve relations have included support from Germany, which backed the opening of the chapter. However, this momentum was disrupted by leaked excerpts from the latest Rule of Law Report, which were used by some member states, notably the Netherlands, to block further progress. Protests against the government have grown more frequent, with thousands participating in demonstrations in cities like Kraljevo. The report notes that political pressure on the judiciary and public prosecutors has increased significantly, with these institutions responding only marginally. It criticizes the continued lack of independence among prosecutors, describing how investigations into organized crime are being influenced improperly. Anti-corruption measures are also under scrutiny, with the report indicating that efforts to combat corruption are frequently undermined, and oversight mechanisms remain weak. Other countries also face challenges. The report expresses serious concern over media freedom, citing a worsening safety situation for journalists. There has been an increase in physical attacks, threats, intimidation, and hate speech directed at reporters. Civil society organizations are similarly facing growing pressure, with reports of harassment and intimidation. For students, this translates into limited opportunities for engagement and expression. In a metaphorical sense, it reflects the stagnation in Serbia’s accession process, which has effectively come to a standstill. The report does not paint a uniformly bleak picture. While Albania and Bosnia and Herzegovina also receive poor ratings, there are noted positive developments in both countries. Within the EU, Slovakia continues to struggle with rule of law issues despite making minor improvements. The commission acknowledges initial steps taken to strengthen judicial independence, though it emphasizes that major deficiencies persist, especially in combating corruption. In Slovakia, Prime Minister Robert Fico has restricted anti-corruption efforts, leading to a sharp decline in prosecutions and convictions. The chief prosecutor has repeatedly intervened in legal matters, raising concerns about impartiality. As the report underscores, the rule of law remains a central issue in the EU’s enlargement agenda. With Serbia’s accession stalled and other candidates facing similar hurdles, the path forward will depend on sustained reform efforts and greater transparency. The coming months will likely see renewed calls for accountability and deeper engagement from both Serbian authorities and the EU. The outcome of these developments could shape the future of European integration in the region.