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MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION (2025/2917(RSP))

On the polarisation and increased repression in Serbia, one year after the Novi Sad tragedy

B-10-2025-0459

on behalf of the S&D Group · Rapporteur: Kathleen Van Brempt, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Tonino Picula

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✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text. The paragraph links open the paragraph a statement rests on — check the text itself before relying on it.

This resolution condemns state-sponsored violence and repression in Serbia following the Novi Sad tragedy, holding the Serbian leadership responsible for democratic backsliding and calling for investigations, media freedom, and free elections. It urges the Serbian authorities to restore university funding, ensure safe return of exiled citizens, and comply with human rights standards in policing, while supporting an EU fact-finding mission and possible sanctions.

Key points

  1. Commemorates the 16 victims of the Novi Sad canopy collapse and calls for transparent legal proceedings and examination of corruption's role.
  2. Condemns state-sponsored violence, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests against protesters, journalists, civil society, and opposition.
  3. Holds Serbian leadership politically responsible for escalating repression and spreading conspiracy theories about the tragedy.
  4. Calls for impartial investigations into use of force, prohibited weapons, torture, and sexual violence, citing specific student cases.
  5. Condemns smear campaigns and abusive use of personal data, urging media freedom and an end to inflammatory rhetoric.
  6. Condemns retaliation against education and cultural sector employees, including job losses and funding withdrawal, and demands restoration of university funding.
  7. Condemns the ruling party's illegal encampment and mobilisation of criminals, and arbitrary presidential pardons for violence against protesters.
  8. Calls for safe return of exiled citizens and condemns unlawful arrest and expulsion of EU citizens, and Russian interference in protests.
  9. Calls for full implementation of OSCE/ODIHR election recommendations and transparent safety inspections of infrastructure.
  10. Urges EU accession progress only on measurable reforms, supports an EU fact-finding mission, and calls for targeted sanctions against violators.

Who is affected

  • Serbian government and ruling party: held responsible for repression and called to implement reforms.
  • Students, academics, journalists, civil society: subjected to violence and repression, with calls for protection.
  • EU citizens: affected by unlawful arrests and expulsions at Serbia's borders.
  • EU institutions and member states: called to monitor reforms, impose sanctions, and provide protective measures.

Figures and deadlines

  • 16 victims killed in the Novi Sad canopy collapse on 1 November 2024.
  • More than 10 700 protests across over 630 municipalities and 1 200 assemblies.
  • Over 1 028 arrests and at least 340 violent incidents recorded.
  • More than 100 teachers lost their jobs.
  • At least USD 115 million in damages related to railway reconstruction.

Legal basis: Articles 2 and 6 of the Treaty on European Union