European Commission flags pressure on justice and media problems in Serbia
The European Commission published its annual rule-of-law report, covering Serbia for the first time alongside four candidate countries. Its Serbia chapter cites political pressure on courts and prosecutors, unfinished work from the previous anti-corruption plan, problems with REM's functioning, and worsening journalist safety.
What matters
New coverage
Serbia was included in the annual report alongside Albania, Montenegro, and North Macedonia as an EU candidate country.
Courts and prosecution
The report notes increased political pressure on the justice system and continuing concern over prosecutorial independence.
Corruption
The Commission says most measures from the previous anti-corruption action plan were not carried out and were moved into a new plan.
Media and REM
On media, the report cites the lack of a fully functioning REM decision-making body, editorial-autonomy concerns, and increased threats to journalists.
Breakdown by publication
How sources frame this story
Mobile shows the first 1; the full breakdown is available on desktop.
N1: European Commission on parliament, justice and media in Serbia
N1 reports the Serbia chapter's findings: the Commission cites political pressure on courts and prosecutors, gaps in implementing the anti-corruption plan, problems with REM's functioning, and worsening journalist safety. It also says progress on electoral reform and voter-register review still needs to be fully implemented.
Overall takeaway
The Commission report records a broad set of unresolved rule-of-law issues in Serbia; it is a new assessment of institutions, not a separate decision on membership negotiations.
What this means for residents
Why follow it
The report is a European Commission assessment, not a decision to open a new negotiation cluster; its findings will inform further dialogue with Serbia.
What is next
The Commission calls for debate on country findings and says it will follow the identified issues in its next annual enlargement report.
