On the polarisation and increased repression in Serbia, one year after the Novi Sad tragedy
B-10-2025-0465
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Reinhold Lopatka, Michael Gahler, Davor Ivo Stier, Andrey Kovatchev, Isabel WiselerLima, Sebastião Bugalho, Liudas Mažylis, Łukasz Kohut, Mika Aaltola, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Ana Miguel Pedro, Wouter Beke
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 addresses the political crisis in Serbia one year after the Novi Sad railway station tragedy, demanding accountability and condemning repression.¶¶ It calls for transparent investigations, respect for fundamental rights, de-polarisation, and Serbia's full alignment with EU foreign policy and values as conditions for EU accession.¶¶ It warns against criminal law misuse, nationalist rhetoric, and foreign influence, while supporting civil society and Serbia's European path.¶¶¶
Key points
- Demands a transparent and impartial investigation into the Novi Sad canopy collapse, including an independent technical examination and review of permits, with accountability and compensation for victims' families.¶
- Condemns any excessive or unlawful use of force against peaceful protesters, including possible use of long-range acoustic devices and tear gas.¶
- Calls on all political actors to engage in constructive dialogue, and urges the Serbian Government to promote inclusive political participation and equal media access.¶
- Expresses solidarity with victims' families and supports the right to peaceful protest, stressing the importance of civic engagement for Serbia's European path.¶
- Reaffirms commitment to Serbia's EU membership but underlines that progress depends on full respect for EU values and a merit-based process.¶
- Regrets lack of progress on Chapter 31 and declining CFSP alignment, calling on Serbia to increase alignment with EU foreign policy and restrictive measures.¶¶
- Deplores nationalist narratives like 'Greater Serbia' and 'Serbian World', and calls for constructive engagement in the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue.¶¶
- Rejects allegations of EU involvement in protests, condemns unlawful arrests and expulsions of EU citizens, and all hate speech.¶
- Warns against criminal law amendments that could criminalise peaceful behaviour, stressing proportional application of sanctions.¶
- Calls on Serbia to refrain from influencing neighbouring countries' domestic politics, including regarding Republika Srpska Day.¶
- Supports Serbian civil society and calls on the Commission to ensure adequate funding and protection for civil society actors.¶
- Acknowledges progress in economic growth, infrastructure, migration and energy, and encourages continued reforms aligned with EU standards.¶
Who is affected
- Serbian authorities and government: must ensure transparent investigations, refrain from excessive force, and align with EU policies.¶¶¶
- Serbian political actors and protest movements: called to avoid inflammatory rhetoric and engage in democratic dialogue.¶¶
- EU institutions, especially the Commission: urged to support civil society and monitor Serbia's alignment.¶
- Victims' families and civil society: promised support and access to justice.¶¶