The European Union could withhold part of a €1.6bn allocation of loans and grants to Serbia after Belgrade passed judicial reforms that are “eroding trust” in its commitment to the rule of law, the bloc’s enlargement commissioner told Reuters on February 12.

The reforms, approved by parliament on January 28, have drawn sharp criticism from judges and prosecutors, who say they strengthen President Aleksandar Vucic’s hold on power, undermine the fight against organised crime and threaten Serbia’s EU accession bid.

“These amendments are eroding trust. It is becoming harder for those in Brussels who are willing to advance with Serbia to make their case,” EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said in emailed comments to Reuters on February 12.

Kos said the European Commission is reviewing Serbia’s funding under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which links financial support to reforms aligned with EU rules, including the rule of law.

The judicial changes limit the mandates of chief public prosecutors and give greater powers over judges to court presidents, who handle court administration. Critics warn the reforms could weaken prosecutorial independence and jeopardise ongoing high-level corruption cases handled by the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Organised Crime (TOK).

Among these cases is the investigation into the 2024 collapse of a railway station roof that killed 16 people and sparked months of anti-government protests. TOK prosecutors have also faced staff cuts from 20 to nine, along with smear campaigns and legal changes critics say hinder their work.

Serbia’s Justice Ministry defended the reforms, saying they will streamline the judiciary and remove “foreign control” of autonomous judicial bodies. Ugljesa Mrdic, a deputy from Vucic’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), added the amendments aim to make the system more efficient, without providing further details.

Judges and prosecutors have staged sporadic strikes in protest against the legislation, which they say was passed under an urgent parliamentary procedure without consultations.

Belgrade has requested an opinion from the Venice Commission, the Council of Europe’s panel of constitutional law experts. Kos said she expects the laws to be revised “in an inclusive manner” once the commission issues its assessment.

Serbia began formal EU accession talks in 2014, but progress has been slowed by weak institutions and persistent corruption. Vucic, who became president in 2017 after serving as prime minister, is expected to call snap elections in the coming months.