EU suspends funds for Serbia over law reforms

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Brussels: The European Union has frozen all financial aid earmarked for Serbia under a €6 billion regional growth plan, citing a sharp decline in judicial independence and the rule of law. EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos announced the suspension, specifically pointing to ‘backsliding’ in the judiciary after

Serbia passed legal reforms without consulting judges, prosecutors, or European experts. Critics argue these new laws grant court presidents excessive power and strip away protections for prosecutors, potentially shielding officials from corruption investigations.

In addition to judicial concerns, the EU flagged deteriorating media freedoms and a highly polarized political climate. Commissioner Kos also criticized Serbia’s foreign policy, noting that the country cannot continue to seek EU membership while maintaining close ties with the Kremlin and refusing to sanction Russia.

While Serbia received an initial €56.5 million in January, the remaining €1.58 billion in total aid will remain blocked until the government reverses these controversial reforms.