On the polarisation and increased repression in Serbia, one year after the Novi Sad tragedy
B-10-2025-0463
on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group · Rapporteur: Vladimir Prebilič, Mounir Satouri, Markéta Gregorová, Gordan Bosanac, Thomas Waitz, Hannah Neumann, Rasmus Nordqvist, Maria Ohisalo, Sergey Lagodinsky
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This resolution condemns repression and violence against peaceful protesters in Serbia following the Novi Sad tragedy, urging an end to the crackdown, release of detainees, and prosecution of perpetrators.¶¶¶ It calls for targeted sanctions, electoral reforms, and conditionality on EU funds and trade preferences, demanding Serbia align with EU sanctions on Russia and respect rule of law.¶¶¶
Key points
- Expresses condolences to victims of the Novi Sad canopy collapse and solidarity with peaceful protesters, welcoming students' shortlisting for Sakharov Prize.¶¶
- Condemns all violence against protesters and urges Serbian authorities to end crackdown, release detainees, and prosecute perpetrators, including police and pro-regime thugs.¶¶
- Calls for targeted sanctions against individuals responsible for human rights violations, including in SNS, security services, police, and judiciary.¶
- Demands thorough investigation of Novi Sad collapse and inspection of railway infrastructure, and monitoring of EXPO 2027 projects.¶
- Condemns government control of media, including Telekom Srbija, and calls for withdrawal of proposed legal amendments restricting protest.¶¶¶
- Condemns retaliation against academics and calls for restoration of university financing and reopening of EU accession chapters 25 and 26.¶¶
- Condemns accusations against civil society and spyware surveillance, urging end to such practices and investigation.¶¶
- Rejects 'colour revolution' allegations, condemns arrests of EU citizens and attacks on MEPs, and supports fact-finding mission.¶¶¶
- Supports early elections and implementation of OSCE/ODIHR electoral reforms, including depoliticising media regulator.¶¶
- Urges conditionality on EU funds and trade preferences, including suspending Regulation (EU) 2024/823 benefits, until reforms are implemented.¶¶¶
- Calls for end to appeasement politics and insists Serbia align with EU sanctions on Russia and make progress in Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue.¶¶
Who is affected
- Serbian authorities and government: must end crackdown, release detainees, and implement reforms.¶¶¶
- EU institutions and member states: to impose sanctions, conditionality, and monitor developments.¶¶¶
- Students, protesters, academics, and civil society in Serbia: face repression but receive solidarity and support.¶¶¶
- Media outlets and journalists: affected by government control and calls for protection.¶¶