MEPs warn of environmental impact of Chinese industry in Serbia

A group of 26 MEPs have sent a joint letter to the European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi, warning of the "impending environmental damage" caused by Chinese industrial projects in Serbia, as well as China's "growing influence" in the country.

The letter was initiated by the co-chairs of the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC), Miriam Lexmann MEP (EPP/Slovakia) and Reinhard Bütikofer MEP (Greens/EFA, Germany), and attempted to draw attention to heavy industrial projects operated by Chinese companies in the Balkan country.

It called on the Commissioner to remind the Serbian government to adhere to its own national legislation, as well as EU rules regarding the accession process.

The letter echoes concerns voiced by various groups within Serbia and the wider Balkan region who are concerned about the impact on the environment as well as the legal violations surrounding some Chinese projects. 

The MEPs warn in the letter that the Chinese heavy industry investments in Serbia “have taken air pollution to dramatic levels, whereas the quality of drinking water is under threat, putting in severe danger the well-being of numerous people living close to the plants.”

Noting that “Chinese investment projects lack transparency and sustainability,” the MEPs urge the EU to call on the Serbian government “to address the impact of these investments.”

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has repeatedly spoken warmly about his country's warm relationship with China, describing Serbia as being "China's most important and closest friend".

Vučić received warm praise on Chinese social media, and drew heavy criticism from some in his own country and across Europe, after kissing the Chinese national flag following the arrival of an expert team in Serbia to help it combat the coronavirus.

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