**Sonic Weapon and Police Crackdown Won’t Bring Serbia Closer to EU, Says German Envoy**
Germany’s special envoy for the Western Balkans, Manuel Sarrazin, has warned that the use of sonic weapons against peaceful protesters in Serbia will not bring the country closer to the European Union (EU). In an interview with Danas daily, Sarrazin expressed concern over the actions taken by the prosecution and police against demonstrators and civil society representatives.
The ongoing protests in Serbia have raised important issues for the entire society, including transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. However, instead of addressing these concerns, the government has responded with force, using sonic weapons against peaceful protesters. This approach is unacceptable, Sarrazin said, as it puts people’s safety at risk.
**Freedom of Assembly and Expression Under Threat**
Sarrazin emphasized that the freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights that must be respected in any democratic society. The use of sonic weapons or other forms of intimidation against peaceful protesters will not bring Serbia closer to the EU, he warned. Instead, it is crucial for the government to guarantee the safety of demonstrators during and after protests.
The absence of EU flags at student protests in Serbia has also been noticed by Sarrazin, who believes that many students are disappointed with the European Union. This feeling is understandable, as students are not seeking anything less than the rule of law, which is also a key demand of the EU in Serbia’s accession process.
**Serbia’s Path to EU Membership**
Sarrazin expressed his desire for Serbia to become a full member of the EU as soon as possible. He believes that a credible reform path required for membership would greatly benefit both Serbia and the EU. The German government shares concerns about democracy, rule of law, and media freedom in Serbia and expects the government to address these shortcomings.
The comments by Sarrazin come at a time when some pro-European public opinion is turning against the EU, driven by the perception that European leaders support the regime of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic. However, this view is not entirely accurate, as EU officials engage in dialogue with elected officials in candidate countries, including President Vucic.
**A Path Forward for Serbia**
Sarrazin declined to speculate on how the situation in Serbia might evolve but emphasized that he would like to see Serbia become a full member of the EU. He believes that this outcome would benefit both Serbia and the EU, allowing them to share potential, creativity, culture, and passion.
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