The issue of the Serbian Restitution Law raised in the European Parliament

"I would like to say a few words concerning the annual report published today of the European Commission on Serbia. The Commission does not mention the problem of the Property Restitution Law that had been voted on in September in Belgrade.

The Act seems to strengthen the principle of collective guilt and collective responsibility. However, in Europe the principle of justice is based on individual responsibility. Unfortunately, this fact seems to escape the attention of the Commission. The Act excludes from restitution the people and their descendents who participated in the World War II as members of the occupying forces in Serbia, regardless whether an individual responsibility is possible to determine or not.

Thus, almost every person belonging to the Hungarian community will be held responsible, even though they were conscripted against their will. This article in the Act reflects poorly on Serbia and it will become an obstacle for Serbia in achieving candidate status. In addition, it raises questions about the Commission's attitude as well."