Human Rights / Serbia / European Citizens

The EU’s Human Rights Special Representative, Stavros Lambrinidis, has been outlining his vision to MEPs as he steps into the newly created post. Among the priorities, he says: a lot of travel to promote European values abroad, high visibility, and greater effectiveness to defend the rights of people on the ground and in crises. Soft power and credibility in the world, which, as much as any economic power, can draw the respect, and encourage the human rights compliance, of third countries, depends on us avoiding double standards. Serbia’s new Prime Minister, Ivica Dačić, has a long list of fixes to make to shape up his country for eventual membership of the EU. The fight against corruption and organised crime. Legal, economic and administrative reform. And, according to EP President Martin Schulz, speaking after talks with Mr Dačić, recognition of Kosovo. Serbia will continue to be a factor of peace, stability and security in the region in every respect, including regarding progress in relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Stand up Europe’s citizens and be heard! That’s the clarion call of next year’s European Year of Citizens campaign. Agreeing its content before full approval, MEPs say the more Europeans understand their rights as EU citizens, the more democratic and vibrant life in Europe can be. This citizenship gives a lot of rights to the citizens. The right to move and reside freely and work freely, also the right to petition to the European Parliament.

EuroparlTV video ID: 127d1db2-c7ff-4e90-8e46-a0c2011551fd