EditEU Justice Commissioner urges Serbia to suspend judicial law amendments and conduct urgent review
The changes “represent a serious step backwards on Serbia’s path toward EU accession and undermine previously assumed obligations and achieved progress”
European Commissioner for Justice Michael McGrath called today during a meeting in Brussels with Serbian Justice Minister Nenad Vujić for an immediate suspension of the recently adopted amendments to key judicial laws and their urgent revision.
“The Commissioner clearly expressed our serious concerns and expectations regarding the next steps: we urge the competent authorities to find legal ways to suspend the application of the amendments and to promptly initiate a review of the adopted changes in order to address our objections,” European Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier told N1.
Mercier added that any revision must respect a transparent and inclusive consultation process involving all relevant stakeholders, including the European Commission and the Venice Commission.
He reiterated the Commission’s regret over Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s signing of the amendments to the core judicial laws.
“Already last week we clearly stated our position on these changes: they represent a serious step backwards on Serbia’s path toward EU accession and undermine previously assumed obligations and achieved progress,” Mercier emphasized.
He recalled once again that, as part of its EU accession process, Serbia has committed to strengthening the independence of the judiciary and the autonomy of the prosecution service, including by taking into account the recommendations of the European Commission.
In a separate statement, Minister Vujić reported that he had informed the Commissioner that “the amendments and supplements to the set of judicial laws adopted by the National Assembly of Serbia, including initiatives by MP Uglješa Mrdić, represent a significant contribution to more efficient functioning of the judiciary, better protection of citizens’ rights, and the advancement of the rule of law.”
Vujić also noted that the Serbian side had requested an opinion from the Venice Commission and “almost nothing more.”
Background context
The disputed amendments, passed by the Serbian parliament in late 2025 and signed into law by President Vučić shortly thereafter, have sparked widespread criticism from Brussels, domestic judicial associations, opposition parties, and civil society organizations. Key concerns include provisions that critics say weaken judicial independence, increase political influence over judge and prosecutor appointments and dismissals, and limit the role of professional bodies in the selection process. The changes were adopted amid limited public debate and without full alignment with earlier recommendations from the Venice Commission and the European Commission.
The issue has become a major obstacle in Serbia’s EU accession negotiations, particularly in Chapter 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights), where progress has long been stalled. The European Commission has repeatedly warned that backsliding on rule-of-law reforms could jeopardize Serbia’s candidate status and overall European integration path.
Caption: European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and Rule of Law Michael McGrath arrives at the start of the European Commission College meeting in Brussels, Belgium, 10 December 2025. EPA/OLIVIER HOSLET
Updated: February 6, 2026 - 05:16
