The European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, visited the Zoran Djindjic Foundation today, where she met with representatives of the Foundation and alumni to discuss the challenges and necessary reforms on Serbia’s path toward the European Union. Ms. Kos stated that she was there to help restore hope in the European course paved by Zoran Djindjic.

The President of the Managing Board of the Foundation Prof. Dr. Ivan Vujačić introduced the Commissioner to the Foundation’s work, while the alumni highlighted the pressures that students, the academic, and professional community currently face, and voiced concern over efforts to place sole responsibility for the collapse of the railway station canopy in Novi Sad on engineers and experts.

They also recalled media campaigns in pro-government tabloids that have resulted in six citizens being held in custody for 50 days, while another six have fled to EU countries due to threats of arrest, seeing the EU as the only zone they currently consider safe.

In her address, Ms. Kos emphasized that “the Government of Serbia must work on reforms,” particularly in the areas of free media and free elections, or the country’s EU path would be stopped. She specifically highlighted the importance of building institutions and the rule of law to ensure incidents like the canopy collapse never happen again.

The Zoran Djindjic Foundation has already voiced its support for protesting students demanding accountability for the deaths of 16 people in Novi Sad. The European integration of Serbia, initiated by Zoran Djindjic, remains the only path toward the rule of law and a society where justice and accountability form the foundation of every action.

The messages of support conveyed today by Marta Kos on behalf of the European Union are seen as a strong signal that Europe stands with the citizens of Serbia who are fighting for a more just society.