The European Union has frozen payments to Serbia under its Growth Plan, pending changes to controversial judicial reforms that Brussels says undermine the rule of law, independent broadcaster N1 reported on May 1.

Funds earmarked for Serbia will remain on hold until Belgrade demonstrates compliance with recommendations issued by the Venice Commission on amendments to recent laws on the judiciary and prosecution, according to an EU official cited by N1.

“For the time being, we have stopped all the payments from the Growth Plan because Serbia was backsliding in the judiciary again, and as long as they will not repair this, they will not be able to get European financial support,” Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said on April 30.

The European Commission has not permanently halted funding but is awaiting concrete steps from Belgrade before making a final decision. Until then, resources allocated to Serbia under the €1.588bn Growth Plan for 2024–27 will remain frozen.

The dispute centres on amendments adopted by parliament on January 28, which critics say weaken prosecutorial independence. The changes reduced the role of the High Prosecutorial Council, tightened control over prosecutors and cut staffing at the prosecutor’s office for organised crime.

In an urgent opinion issued on April 24, the Venice Commission said the reforms risk undermining safeguards for prosecutorial independence and shifting the balance of power towards the executive, recommending that key provisions be revised or reversed.

Belgrade has since signalled it is willing to backtrack. Justice Minister Nenad Vujic said on April 28 that a working group had been set up to prepare amendments in line with the Commission’s recommendations.

President Aleksandar Vucic also indicated the government would revise the legislation, acknowledging shortcomings while rejecting broader criticism of Serbia’s rule of law record.

“Now we are revoking something, and we’ll do our job. Our fault,” Vucic said in a recent interview, referring to the disputed reforms.

The European Commission will assess any amendments once adopted before deciding whether to resume payments, leaving Serbia’s access to EU funds contingent on its response.