Serbia’s stance on its EU membership and its relationship with Russia has stirred a debate in the European Parliament, as MEP and rapporteur for Kosovo, Viola von Cramon, expressed her views on the matter during an interview.

She argued that if Serbia chooses not to pursue EU membership and instead prioritize its relations with Russia, the EU should respect this decision and not exert pressure on Serbia to join the union.
This discussion comes in the wake of a troubling issue uncovered by Flora Ferati-Sachsenmaier, a researcher whose findings exposed a systematic and illegal practice of removing ethnic Albanians from the Serbian civil registry in southern Serbia.

Her recent report revealed that more than 6,000 ethnic Albanians had their addresses passivized, effectively rendering them stateless. This drastic measure had severe consequences, preventing affected individuals from buying or selling property, accessing education and healthcare, voting, and exercising other fundamental rights. In some regions, the research showed a staggering decrease of over 70% in the population of ethnic Albanians.

The timing of these revelations is significant, as they coincide with Serbia’s upcoming presidential, parliamentary, and partial local elections. Over 6,020 citizens have been removed from voter lists, with activists and researchers claiming that this action is primarily targeting ethnic Albanians.
Viola von Cramon emphasized the importance of respecting Serbia’s choice, even if it means not pursuing EU membership. She noted that Serbia might want to observe how other Western Balkan states fare in their EU integration processes before deciding on its own path. However, she also expressed concerns about Serbia’s rhetoric concerning the Kosovo-Serbia issue, highlighting the need to move away from aggressive and nationalistic narratives for meaningful cooperation with the EU.

Von Cramon admitted that she had previously believed Serbia had a genuine interest in EU membership and active participation in the accession process. However, recent events, including deteriorating relations with Kosovo, have raised doubts about Serbia’s commitment. She suggested that a pause might be necessary to reassess the situation.

Regarding the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue, which has recently faced setbacks due to tensions in northern Kosovo, von Cramon expressed disappointment. She highlighted the missed opportunities for agreements that could have led to Kosovo’s eventual recognition. However, she acknowledged that progress seemed unlikely, given the current circumstances.

Addressing criticisms of the EU’s treatment of Kosovo, especially regarding recent sanctions against Pristina, von Cramon argued that the situation is more complex. She acknowledged that Serbia needs to make more significant efforts in various areas, such as media freedom and the rule of law, before progressing toward EU accession.

Turning to the issue of ethnic Albanians being removed from voter lists, von Cramon stated that it might be too late to include this matter in the ongoing EU-backed Kosovo-Serbia dialogue but emphasized the importance of discussing it during Belgrade’s EU accession negotiations. She highlighted the need to address the systematic discrimination faced by Albanian minorities in Serbia and suggested including this topic in the rule of law cluster during accession talks.
During her visits to the Presevo Valley, von Cramon noted a lack of investment in the region compared to other parts of Serbia. She expressed concerns about the deliberate neglect of the region, resulting in economic, social, and political disparities and making it increasingly difficult for Albanian minorities to remain there due to the passivization process.

In conclusion, Viola von Cramon called for increased pressure on the Serbian government to address the issue of ethnic Albanians being removed from voter lists and the broader challenges faced by Albanian minorities in Serbia. She urged a more balanced approach in the EU’s dealings with Kosovo and Serbia and emphasized the need for Serbia to demonstrate genuine commitment to EU accession.