EU lawmakers from several political groups called on Serbian authorities to lift its ban on the EuroPride march set for September, though the letter, signed by 145 Parliament members, not including EPP President Manfred Weber and Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
The letter, sent on Wednesday (31 August) to Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and Prime Minister Ana Brnabić was signed by the leaders of four caucuses in the European Parliament, the Socialists and Democrats, the Greens, the liberal Renew Europe and the Left.
But Weber, who is the chief of the largest political group in the EP, of which the Serbian Progressive Party is an associate member, was not to be found among the signatories, nor was European Parliament President Roberta Metsola.
Europride was planned to be held in Belgrade from 12 to 18 September. Many LGBTI and human rights activists and European politicians, and MEPs have already announced their visit. But President Aleksander Vucic cancelled it, blaming the decision on the situation with Kosovo.
Vucic’s argument that its due to the situation in Kosovo does not hold water as the event had been subject to much controversy from political figures.
The Commission reacted to the news earlier this week, expressing regret for Serbia’s decision to cancel or postpone the holding of ‘EuroPride’, as it said that the European bloc supports equality and opposes any form of discrimination.
“For years, EuroPride has advocated for equal rights for LGBTI+ citizens throughout Europe, giving voice to those who are often discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. These are fundamental rights for the EU, and we expect our close partners to respect them as well”, said the spokeswoman for the European bloc, Ana Pisonero, for Radio Free Europe.
The EU, she said, would welcome further clarification from the authorities in Serbia regarding their decision to cancel EuroPride, which was scheduled to take place in September.
Some analysts have speculated that Russian intelligence (GRU) could be behind protests carried out against the parade, noting it was led by the Russian Night Wolves bikers’ club who are linked to Moscow.
In an interview with Prva TV, Janjić commented on the protest dubbed “Procession for the Salvation of Serbia” at which Serbian Orthodox Bishop of Banat Nikanor called Russian President Vladimir Putin “the emperor of planet Earth.”
“With the Night Wolves and the bishops, it is obvious that GRU was behind it,” he added.
