Prebilič: If Vučić Fails to Make a Shift, Sanctions Are Inevitable

Author: M.J. GDNUS

European parliamentarian Vladimir Prebilič stated for N1 that sanctions would be the next step if President Vučić and the current ruling establishment do not make a significant change. He emphasized that sanctions affect not just the leadership but the people of a country as well.

"Sankctions are the next step if President Vučić and the current government don't make a breakthrough. It wouldn’t be good for us to reach this situation, as sanctions hit everyone – not just the leadership but the population as well," Prebilič said. He also pointed out that Vučić has "reduced transparency and prosperity" and is "taking away the future from the people."

He expressed hope that the current events in Novi Sad (referring to the cyclists' journey to Strasbourg) would be a source of pride for all in Serbia. Prebilič added, "If there's one thing Europe needs, it's responsible decision-making and people who are brave and stand behind their values. What we are seeing now is what the EU expects from Serbia and its leadership. Initiatives like this draw European public attention to the fight of citizens, democracy, and the rule of law."

He described the political message as one directed at European decision-makers, urging them to take action. "I hope all the banners and everything young people bring to Europe will open a new dialogue. I'm not satisfied with the EU's stance and President von der Leyen's position. I expected her to ask serious questions to Vučić and set real deadlines for him. We haven’t heard much so far, but I believe the youth will open channels that haven't been opened before."

Prebilič stressed the need for concrete demands, including improvements in electoral conditions, voter rolls, recommendations from 2023, the fight against corruption, and reforms in the judiciary and prosecution. He said, "We’re at a point now where there can’t be any more delays; something must be done. If this shift is not made, Serbia's EU path will be halted, and that will bring pressure on the president. Ultimately, the president should work for the well-being of the people, and Serbia’s detachment from the European Union is not in its best interest."

He also expressed concern that Vučić had diminished Serbia's greatness by undermining transparency and prosperity, and "taking away the future from the people." Prebilič hopes that Vučić will understand that changes need to be made, not for his own sake, but for the benefit of Serbia and its citizens. "Serbia is not just any country, it is the most important country in the Western Balkans," he emphasized.

Addressing the targeting of professors and deans, Prebilič called it "incredible," adding that this should not and must not happen. "The academic community, students, and professors are incubators of knowledge, new ideas, and they are fighting for democracy," he said.

Prebilič proposed a transitional government as a way to reset the political system. "How to establish a transitional government is something the president and the legal system will need to address. In the current conditions, we can’t hold elections the way they should be. They won’t be free and fair," he stated.

He added that the transitional government could serve as a "window" to reset the political situation before new elections are held. "A transitional government could be the way to reach a starting point. Then elections would follow, and new leaders could be elected to guide Serbia."

On the timeline for resolving the situation, Prebilič said that the EU expects answers by the end of April. "There are talks in the corridors of the European Parliament about making a visit that would speed up things, and there’s a legal framework to set up a new government. I think we are looking at around April 16th or 17th," he said.

Finally, Prebilič warned, "If there are no changes, sanctions are inevitable."