On 8 July 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the 2025 European Commission report on Serbia, delivering a stark assessment of the country's progress in EU accession talks. The resolution, which constitutes the Parliament's official position, warns that Serbia's accession process could be halted unless it demonstrates measurable progress in rule of law, media freedom, and normalisation with Kosovo, and fully aligns with EU foreign policy, including sanctions against Russia.
The resolution stresses that EU accession is a merit-based process with no shortcuts, and that the 'fundamentals first' principle must be strictly applied. It calls on Serbia to implement all OSCE/ODIHR election recommendations, restore judicial independence by revising the January 2026 amendments to judicial laws in line with Venice Commission recommendations, and end repression of peaceful protesters, journalists, and civil society. The Parliament also demands that Serbia cease illegal surveillance, including the use of Pegasus spyware, and investigate cases of excessive force. On foreign policy, the resolution insists that Serbia must fully align with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, including adopting restrictive measures against Russia, and desist from deepening partnerships with Russia and China. The Parliament warns that Serbia's role as a hub for Russian intelligence and disinformation activities is incompatible with EU membership. Regarding Kosovo, the resolution reiterates that full normalisation of relations is a fundamental prerequisite for Serbia's European perspective, requiring implementation of the Brussels and Ohrid Agreements. It also condemns concepts such as the 'Serbian World' as incompatible with European integration. The resolution calls on the Commission to suspend EU funding under the Reform and Growth Facility for the Western Balkans absent clear progress on rule of law, media freedom, and electoral conditions. It also urges Serbia to combat war crime denial, historical revisionism, and hate speech, and to protect national minority rights. The resolution has significant implications for Serbia's EU accession process and the broader Western Balkans region. It signals that the European Parliament views Serbia as having seriously backslid on democracy, rule of law, fundamental rights, and media freedom, and that its geopolitical orientation remains misaligned with EU foreign policy. The call for strict conditionality, including suspension of EU funds and halting of accession negotiations, could lead to reduced financial support and a slowdown in the accession process. For the region, the resolution reinforces that normalisation with Kosovo and good neighbourly relations are non-negotiable prerequisites for EU membership. The resolution may also affect EU-Serbia bilateral relations, investor confidence, and Serbia's domestic political dynamics by amplifying pressure for reforms. The resolution will now be transmitted to the European Commission, the Council, and Serbian authorities, and will inform the EU's next steps in the enlargement process.