Following the initiative by our Serbian member, Civic Initiatives, BCSDN facilitated high-level advocacy meetings in Brussels from October 1-3 to raise awareness of the growing crackdown on civic freedoms in Serbia. A public hearing in the European Parliament, hosted by Green MEPs Gordan Bosanac and Vladimir Prebilič, featured Serbian activists and CSO representatives, including Uroš Jovanović from CI, who urged the EU to address the repression, especially in light of protests against the Rio Tinto Jadar project. BCSDN Executive Director Biljana Spasovska emphasized the broader regional consequences of the EU’s continued silence, warning that it undermines the credibility of the EU accession process. In addition to the hearing, BCSDN held key meetings with DG EXPO, DG NEAR, DG Justice, and the EESC. We hope this visit has laid the foundation for more visible EU actions to support more democratic, accountable rule of law and green transformation of Serbia. BCSDN remains committed to advocating for transparency, accountability, and citizen involvement in policymaking across the Balkans. Read more here.
Source: BCSDN