INTERVIEW: What does Germany’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans think about the use of a sound cannon at demonstrations in Serbia?

The use of sonic weapons against peaceful demonstrators, as well as the actions of the prosecution and police against protest participants or representatives of civil society, will not bring Serbia closer to the European Union, says Danas in an interview with Manuel Sarrazin, Germany’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans.

In his written responses, the senior EU official not only commented on questions about student protests in Serbia, the EU's stance toward the regime of Aleksandar Vučić, the role of Milorad Dodik in the Balkans, and the challenges on Serbia's path to EU membership, but also addressed the use of a sound cannon against demonstrators on March 15 in Belgrade, Europe's interest in lithium, and the growing dissatisfaction of the pro-European segment of the public in Serbia with Brussels.

*At student protests in Serbia, EU flags are notably absent. How do you interpret this absence?

– My personal impression is that many students are disappointed with the European Union. Ultimately, they are demanding nothing less than the rule of law, which is also a key requirement of the EU in Serbia’s accession process and the main reason why that process is stagnating. The German government shares concerns about the state of democracy, the rule of law, and media freedom in Serbia, and we expect the Serbian government to finally address these deficiencies, as this is essential for Serbia’s progress toward the EU.

*At the same time, a significant part of Serbia’s pro-European public is turning against the EU, driven by the belief that European leaders support the regime of Aleksandar Vučić. How do you respond to this view?

– As Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos explained, EU officials – and the same applies to the governments of member states – always engage in dialogue with elected officials in candidate countries, including President Vučić. This does not mean that the EU does not analyze reform progress and the situation in Serbia, especially concerning the so-called fundamental principles. One reason why Serbia has not opened a new chapter or cluster in the accession process for a long time is precisely the lack of progress in key areas: the rule of law, media freedom, democratic standards…

*How do you interpret the protests against Aleksandar Vučić’s regime, and how do you see their possible outcome?

– The protests have raised issues important for the whole society: transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. But it is not for me to interpret the protests or speculate on possible outcomes. It is up to the citizens to freely express their views. What I consider very important is that the right to peaceful assembly and the right of citizens to express their opinions without pressure or threats to their safety must be ensured. It is the responsibility of the Serbian government to ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators – both during and after the protests. The use of sonic weapons against peaceful demonstrators, as well as the actions of the prosecution and police against protest participants or representatives of civil society, will not bring Serbia closer to the European Union.

*Many critics claim that the European Union prioritizes access to lithium over the state of democracy in Serbia. How do you respond to such claims?

– I don’t see these things as mutually exclusive. Both the German government and the EU as a whole cooperate with the Serbian government on many topics of common interest. That does not mean we are blind to the shortcomings in democracy, media freedom, and the rule of law, especially regarding the lack of progress in implementing ODIHR recommendations for improving electoral conditions.

*Vladimir Putin recently received Milorad Dodik following his conviction, and after Dodik’s visit to Israel, while Interpol refused to issue a red notice for him. How do you comment on this?

– Vladimir Putin is responsible for the war in Ukraine and continues to wage this brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, against Europe. In this war against Europe, he seems to view Milorad Dodik and his dangerous separatist moves in Bosnia and Herzegovina as useful. Milorad Dodik is probably the only person in Republika Srpska who believes he can benefit from this alliance. Vladimir Putin has not supported Bosnia and Herzegovina, or Republika Srpska, with investments, jobs, or the prospect of EU membership. Nor does Dodik, through his actions. On the contrary – he is dragging the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina further away from the EU. The German government strongly condemns Dodik’s separatist moves.

“In response, Milorad Dodik expressed gratitude to Aleksandar Vučić. How do you see that gesture?

– I am deeply concerned that President Vučić and the Serbian government appear to effectively support or at least do not stop Milorad Dodik’s separatist moves in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The declaration of the All-Serb Assembly last year already contained dangerous rhetoric and ideas that will not bring either Serbia or Bosnia and Herzegovina closer to the European Union.

*What outcome do you foresee for the current regime in Serbia?

– It is not for me to speculate on the further development of the situation in Serbia. But I can tell you what kind of future I would like to see for Serbia: I would like to see Serbia as a full member of the European Union as soon as possible. I am convinced that Serbia would greatly benefit from a credible reform path required for membership. And the EU would benefit from the potential, creativity, culture, and passion of the Serbian people for their country, their region, and our shared European home.