**EU-Serbia Civil Society Committee Expresses Concern Over Escalating Political and Institutional Crisis**
A recent joint declaration by the EU-Serbia Civil Society Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) has expressed deep concern over the escalating political and institutional crisis in Serbia. The committee, which brings together representatives from European Union institutions and Serbian civil society, emphasized its support for student demands for justice, accountability, and functional institutions.
**Student Protests and Institutional Crisis**
The JCC condemned the use of force against peaceful protesters and called for urgent investigations into alleged abuses by police. It also highlighted concerns over corruption, lack of transparency, and political influence on the judiciary, emphasizing that genuine reforms are necessary for progress toward EU membership.
**Youth Empowerment and EXPO 2027**
The declaration emphasizes the importance of youth empowerment and engagement in decision-making processes. It expresses concern over the preparation of EXPO 2027, particularly with regards to the law exempting special-purpose state-owned enterprises from standard public procurement laws. The JCC calls for a swift evaluation of the constitutionality of disputed articles and a public consultation process prior to any amendments.
**Jadar Mining Project and Media Freedom**
The committee also expressed concern over the lack of public consultation and social dialogue regarding the controversial Jadar mining project, highlighting the need for local communities and civil society involvement in decision-making processes that affect health and the environment. The declaration emphasizes the importance of media freedom and warns against attacks on independent media and civil society organizations.
**Reforms and EU Integration**
The JCC assessed that Serbia’s European integration is slow due to a lack of genuine reforms in areas such as judiciary, media freedoms, and corruption. The committee expressed concern over potential manipulation of electoral processes and political instability ahead of possible early elections.
**Next Steps**
The JCC meeting scheduled for the second half of the year will be crucial in reassessing Serbia’s European path. The declaration calls on authorities and EU institutions to specify recommendations through monitoring mechanisms, institutional dialogue, and support for civil society.
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