Politico has warned that Brussels could block around 1.5 billion euros for Serbia after the government’s legal interference in the independence of the judiciary. In an interview with this portal, Commissioner Kos says that the laws on the judiciary must comply with the recommendations of the Venice Commission, which is expected to give its opinion on Serbia’s controversial legal changes at the end of April.
“We are increasingly concerned about what is happening in Serbia, from laws undermining the independence of the judiciary to the repression of protesters and repeated interference in independent media. The package of laws to restructure the courts and change the way judges and prosecutors are appointed is a serious step backwards. As a candidate country, we expect Serbia to align its foreign policy with the EU,” Commissioner Kos told Politico.
Belgrade has maintained close ties with Moscow, while in turn receiving money from Brussels. Serbia has received more than 7 billion euros in investments from the EU since 2000.