EU reconsidering funds for Serbia as justice laws 'eroding trust'


FILE PHOTO: The European Union (EU) flag is seen on a sunny day and blue sky at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, April 29, 2016. REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch/File Photo

BELGRADE, Feb 13 (Reuters) - ⁠The European Union could withhold funds from a 1.6 billion euro allocation ⁠of loans and grants to Serbia, after Belgrade passed laws that are "eroding ‌trust" in its commitment to the rule of law, the bloc's enlargement commissioner said.

Reforms to centralise the judiciary that came into force this week brought criticism from judges and prosecutors who see them as bolstering ​President Aleksandar Vucic's hold on power, weakening the fight ⁠against organised crime and undermining ⁠Serbia's bid to join the EU.

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