A social media post by Croatian Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Tonino Picula, commemorating the 30th anniversary of Operation Storm with a wartime photograph of himself in military uniform holding a rifle, has ignited controversy in neighboring Serbia. The post has led to calls for his resignation from his role as the European Parliament’s rapporteur for Serbia, with critics arguing it compromises his impartiality.
Wartime Photo Sparks Outrage
Picula, a member of Croatia’s center-left SDP party, shared the photo on Tuesday, marking the anniversary of Operation Storm, a 1995 military offensive that ended the ethnic Serb parastate and the war in Croatia. The accompanying text thanked "everyone who contributed to the defence of the sovereignty and freedom of the Republic of Croatia." The image, showing a younger Picula in military attire with a rifle, quickly drew sharp criticism.
Serbian and Austrian Condemnation
Reactions were swift and severe. Dragan Đilas, leader of Serbia’s opposition SSP party, criticized Picula, stating that an EU rapporteur cannot hold an automatic weapon and that Picula had compromised his position. He expressed disappointment, saying, "We believed you were a man of the future and not of the past."
Austrian MEP Harald Vilimsky and Maximilian Krauss from the far-right Freedom Party (FPÖ) also condemned the post, labeling it "disturbing and politically highly dangerous." They argued that it was inappropriate for an EU rapporteur involved in sensitive EU-Serbia dialogue to post such an image, calling it a "serious diplomatic misstep" and an "affront to all the victims and displaced persons of this tragedy." The FPÖ politicians have called for an immediate investigation by relevant EU authorities.
Picula Defends His Actions
Picula has rejected allegations of bias, asserting that his participation in Operation Storm as a member of the Croatian army was always public knowledge. He told Euronews that the success of his work as rapporteur, evidenced by the strong support for his report on Serbia in the European Parliament, demonstrates his objectivity. "Thirty years ago, I was a member of the Croatian army that liberated the previously occupied parts of my country," he stated, adding that this information is only disputed by those who avoid taking responsibility for policies that caused suffering.
He further explained that his life experiences and political career enhance his understanding of the processes hindering Serbia’s European path. Picula also noted that he has faced criticism from Belgrade in the past, accusing the Serbian regime of seeking his removal since his appointment.
Operation Storm: A Contested Legacy
Operation Storm, a four-day military action in August 1995, remains a contentious issue between Croatia and Serbia. The operation was launched after Croatia declared independence from Yugoslavia, leading to a rebellion by ethnic Serbs who controlled parts of the country. Croatia regained all its territory during the offensive.
Key Takeaways:
- Croatian MEP Tonino Picula posted a wartime photo, sparking controversy in Serbia.
- Critics argue the photo compromises his role as EU rapporteur for Serbia.
- Calls for Picula’s resignation have been made by Serbian and Austrian politicians.
- Picula defends his actions, stating his military service was public and enhances his understanding of Serbia’s EU accession.
- Operation Storm remains a sensitive historical event for both nations.
An estimated 150,000 ethnic Serbs fled to Serbia and Montenegro during the operation, and Serbia claims significantly higher numbers of displaced persons and civilian casualties. The ethnic Serb population in Croatia has significantly decreased since 1991.
