Brussels Freezes Funds for Belgrade over Judicial Reforms

The European Union has suspended financial support to Serbia under its Western Balkans growth programme, citing deterioration in the country's judiciary following the adoption of controversial legal changes.

Marta Kos, the European Commissioner for Enlargement, confirmed that payments from the growth plan are currently frozen. "For the time being, we have stopped all Growth Plan payments because the situation in the judiciary has deteriorated," she said, adding that without a remedy it would not be possible to draw down European funds.

The six-billion-euro programme is designed to boost the region's economies and accelerate their integration into the EU between 2024 and 2027. It is conditional on progress in reforms, particularly in the areas of judicial independence and the fight against corruption.

The Serbian parliament adopted the reforms without consulting legal professionals or European institutions. Critics argue that the changes strengthen political control over judges and weaken the independence of the prosecutor's office.

Kos also pointed to broader concerns. "Serbia is highly polarised today", she said, noting that the country has long been moving toward EU membership while also maintaining close ties with Russia.

(tasr, bak)