Together with colleagues I met today with members of Serbian civil society organisations, many of whom have been exposed to smear campaigns and sustained public stigmatisation, in some cases also open verbal assaults by public office holders. This has no place in a country aspiring to join the EU. Civil society and journalists must be able to operate in a safe environment. Civil society is a key partner for the 🇪🇺 in advancing Serbia’s path towards membership. It plays a fundamental role, often under difficult circumstances. We count on you to remain frank and honest interlocutors in our shared efforts to bring Serbia into the 🇪🇺 as soon as possible. Thank you for being our reliable partners, you can count on our continued support!