The unjust and unlawful actions of Serbian authorities suppressing the civic space has crossed its borders, targeting not only domestic activists, journalists, and peaceful protesters but also obstructing foreign activists and CSOs from participating in public debates in Serbia. This alarming escalation, tied to the government’s increasingly autocratic stance, raises critical questions: How far will this repression extend, and how can civil society and international actors effectively respond?
On January 22, 14 EU and Western Balkans activists participating in Erste Stiftung’s NGO Academy study visit in Belgrade were detained overnight and expelled without evidence or investigation. They were accused of endangering Serbia’s security and given a one-year entry ban, labeled as a “security risk.” This is not an isolated incident. In recent months, Croatian nationals faced similar expulsions, and earlier this year, Bosnian activists and writers supporting Serbian protests were also banned. However, this marks the first time a group with no apparent ties to Serbian domestic politics has been labeled a security threat and barred from entering the country.
Following mass demonstrations in Serbia at the end of last year and the beginning of this year after the fall of a canopy of a railway Novi Sad railway station in November and one of the largest rallies and student protests across the country, where tens of thousands demanded resignations, transparency, and justice—the government’s increasingly autocratic stance, marked by mass arrests, intimidation, and violence from pro-government groups, is now extending beyond Serbia’s borders. This crackdown highlights the severity of democratic decline, as both internal dissent and external participation face suppression, leaving civic freedoms and human rights under threat.
In response to this incident, CSOs across the region and the EU in an open letter ask Serbian authorities to explain these unjust actions and ensure respect for human rights and freedoms, as also in line with the Serbia EU integration process. They are also calling on EU institutions and member states to hold Serbia accountable and demand adherence to European values enshrined in the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights.
Standing in solidarity with all those affected by this regime we support the European CSOs call for a united Europe-wide response to protect civic space!
Find the press release for the media and public, along with a letter for EU institutions HERE.
Sign the letter, until 2 PM CET HERE.
As a regional network promoting a more enabling environment for civil society, BCSDN remains dedicated to monitoring the situation and responding as necessary as it continues to develop.