Terrorist attack on Banjska, Von Croamon: Measures Against Serbia on the Table

The rapporteur for Kosovo in the European Parliament, Violet von Cremon, has stressed that the measures being prepared in the European Union towards Serbia, due to the armed conflict in Banjska, are not directed against the citizens of Serbia and that their introduction depends on Serbia's unconditional co-operation in the investigation.

She believes Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vuciq, controls many things that happen in the country and that it is difficult to believe he did not know what was happening for the purchase of weapons or the organisation of the group that was in Banjska.

In an interview for Serbian newspaper “Nova”, Von Croamon, has stressed that any move should harm the ruling regime in Serbia, stressing that criticisms are reasonable that the European Union has often been mild towards Vuciqi and the Government of Serbia.

According to the Eurodeputes to Serbia are preparing punitive measures, asking what measures are being taken, Von Croamon has said that I cannot give details, as everything is still confidential and discussions are under way, broadcasting Telegrafi.

“However, what I told some media earlier, I can now confirm the measures are really on the table and the ball is in Serbia's court. Here I would like to be clear about these are not EU sanctions, because then they would be unanimously approved by all member states on the Council. It's about measures adopted and implemented by the European Commission, with Council proposals. Now it is absolutely in their hands and let me stress that the European Parliament has no role in this. In essence, if adopted, they would be reciprocal measures with what Kosovo now has -- no formal [Serbia's] meetings with EU leaders and IPA fund cancellation. Their application absolutely depends on Serbia's full and unconditional co-operation in investigating the attack on Banjska. There are many open questions and it is up to Vuciqi to provide a proper and transparency investigation into what happened. When the EU security services draw the conclusions of the investigation, then we will react to”, Von Croamon said

The Eurodeput says these measures are not against the citizens of Serbia.

“The EU, it said harshly, has two main points for Serbia -- money and free travel regime for citizens. Visa relocation would mostly affect ordinary citizens, and that is why I am generally opposed. We have to hit where it will harm the ruling regime and this is the reduction of money from EU funds. However, the EU's communication to Vuciqi and the Government of Serbia in the best case was unclear, and there is no doubt that now someone in Serbia can ask why should we endure any measures if until yesterday you told us that he is a good guy who does great things? I am fully aware that the EU should be much more strict towards Vuciqi and the SNS regime in communication. No wonder a simple citizen will think the EU supports Vuciqi if Commission President or Commissioner Oliver Warelj comes along and commends him openly. However, I see things differ especially after Russia's war against Ukraine; The European People's Party no longer stands behind Vuciqi or the SNS. However, very late”, she said.

Regarding the Serb terrorist attack in Banjska and claims that Serbian power is involved in the armed conflict, Von Croamon says there are still many unanswered questions.

“What actually happened, how did this amount of armoured equipment and military equipment reach the north? Who is behind this, and what criminal groups still hide there? Is this kind of action possible without being aware or even without helping Serbian authorities? Was it then driven by Serbia, or was it only Milan Radoic, as he claimed? We're not clear yet. I would say Serbia has no interest in a major military attack or any kind of war. At least that's how I understood from Belgrade's reactions. But it is clear that many things have gone wrong and stability has been endangered. President Vuciq controls many things that happen in Serbia, and it is really hard to believe that he did not know what was happening about buying weapons or organising an aggressive group. It is now in his hands to ensure a proper investigation and transparency for what happened”, she said.

Asked whether such a decision could increase Euroscepticism in Serbia, Cromon said that “absolutely, we are aware that the difference must be made between the regime and the people”.

We do this in other countries, for example in Georgia or Bosnia, where the ruling elites and the population have different aspirations. It would be especially unfair to the citizens of Serbia if someone came to them and told them that the EU made a mistake with Vucinciqi, so now you will pay. That's why visa-free travel will remain. And what we should do best as the EU send a clear message to the government that things are bad, which was a rare case, if only a few of us -- ”.

In question whether Vuciq is the only and reliable EU partner from Serbia and whom from Serbia the EU will have to speak to, Cromon said that “ai was never the only one, but his credibility after 24 September is very controversial. We co-operate with a wide range of actors in Serbia, including civil society, opposition leaders and various officials”.

While in the question of whether Vuciq avoids handling the Kosovo issue by announcing elections in Serbia, the Eurodeputja said that “cannot say what can be avoided or deciding as electoral issue”.

“in general, I would like Serbia-Kosovo talks to end and all of us to move forward because this prevents the obstruction of both societies from dealing with existential issues”, said Von Croamon.