BCSDN, together with the European Civic Forum, coordinated and joined the call with 130 CSOs from across Europe to demand justice, democracy, and fundamental freedoms for Serbia. Civil society faces escalating attacks, including illegal police raids on NGOs and violent repression of protests after the Novi Sad train station collapse. The government’s response—arrests, intimidation, and branding activists as foreign agents—signals a broader crackdown on dissent. For over a decade, Serbia’s leadership has drifted from democratic values and EU commitments, fueling public distrust. Yet, Serbian society remains resilient, with protests in 245 cities uniting trade unions, businesses, and citizens. The letter warns that EU inaction weakens its credibility and urges stronger support for Serbian civil society. As tensions rise, a major student-led protest in Belgrade today demands government accountability. While authorities warn of violence and arrests, the EU Delegation to Serbia and the embassies of EU member states reaffirm the right to peaceful assembly, stressing the need for dialogue and rule of law reforms essential for Serbia’s EU path.
Source: European Civic Forum (ECF), BCSDN, Radio Slobodna Evropa, EU Delegation to Serbia