**Serbia Faces Major Obstacles on EU Path, Says Rapporteur Tonino Picula**
The European Parliament’s rapporteur for Serbia, Tonino Picula, has presented his report to MEPs, highlighting some serious problems facing the country. These issues include corruption, nepotism, and inadequate control mechanisms in the media, judiciary, and other areas.
Picula emphasized that the collapse of a canopy in Novi Sad has become a symbol of these systemic problems. He noted that the media are not free or accessible to all citizens, and that the electronic media watchdog (REM) does not function properly. The judiciary also selectively dispenses justice, while those who point out problems are subjected to public attacks.
**A Complex Political Reality**
Picula said that he wrote his report under difficult conditions, involving undiplomatic practices, baseless accusations, manipulation, and personal attacks. Despite this, he approached the task professionally, believing in the openness of the European project and its benefits for citizens of member states and candidate countries.
The rapporteur warned of cases where protesters’ personal data were published, and they faced investigations by Russian services, as well as expulsions and detentions over social media posts. He also noted that Serbia refuses to align with EU sanctions policy on Russia.
**Major Obstacles Ahead**
Picula emphasized that Serbia faces major obstacles on its path to the EU, despite some progress. The country has received billions of euros in investments from the EU, but public perception does not reflect this. Economic growth is often based on non-transparent contracts exempted from public procurement law.
The rapporteur partly blamed the EU for the situation and highlighted statements by European Commissioner Marta Kos during her visit to Serbia. He also noted that top Serbian officials’ commitment to European integration sounds unconvincing, especially given President Aleksandar Vucic’s plan to sign new energy agreements with Russia in Moscow.
**Words of Support for Serbian Students**
Picula expressed his appreciation for the dedication and struggle of Serbian students on a marathon relay run to Strasbourg and Brussels. He emphasized that their messages clearly advocate for the same goals he highlights in his report, and that their attitude towards them speaks more than any party program about the future.
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