On the polarisation and increased repression in Serbia, one year after the Novi Sad tragedy
B-10-2025-0466
on behalf of the Renew Group · Rapporteur: Helmut Brandstätter, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová, Irena Joveva, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, JanChristoph Oetjen, Urmas Paet, MarieAgnes StrackZimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar
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 the Serbian authorities' violent crackdown on protesters following the Novi Sad tragedy and calls for an independent investigation, release of detained protesters, and respect for fundamental rights.¶¶¶ It urges the EU to support Serbian civil society, re-evaluate financial assistance if democratic backsliding continues, and impose sanctions on those responsible for violence.¶¶ It also calls on Serbia to align with EU policies on foreign interference and disinformation, and on the Commission to assess Serbia's compliance with EU values in its next progress report.¶¶
Key points
- Expresses sympathy with victims of the Novi Sad tragedy and calls for an independent, transparent investigation and accountability for those responsible.¶
- Recognises the role of students and young people in fighting for democratic values and freedoms in Serbia.¶
- Calls on the Commission and Council to support the demands of Serbian students, linking them to rule of law and democratic accountability.¶
- Condemns the use of violence, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and illegal surveillance against protesters; calls for immediate release of all detained protesters.¶
- Calls on the Serbian Government to guarantee the right of assembly and freedom of expression in line with international human rights standards.¶
- Calls on Serbia to align with EU policies against foreign interference and disinformation by implementing measures like the Digital Services Act.¶
- Expects Serbian authorities to investigate and prosecute calls for violence, harassment, and strategic lawsuits against protesters and journalists.¶
- Regrets declining public support for EU membership in Serbia and calls for fact-based discussion on EU accession.¶
- Encourages EU and member states to support Serbian civil society, independent media, and human rights activists through financial, legal, and security assistance.¶
- Underlines that EU accession is merit-based and commits to exerting political pressure for reforms in judicial independence, public procurement, and fundamental rights.¶
- Calls on Commission and Council to re-evaluate EU financial assistance to Serbia if democratic backsliding continues and to implement sanctions against those responsible for violence.¶
- Calls on the Commission to assess Serbia's compliance with Copenhagen criteria and EU values in the forthcoming progress report.¶
Who is affected
- Protesters in Serbia, including students and activists, who face violence, detention, and surveillance; the resolution calls for their release and protection.¶
- Serbian authorities and government, which are urged to respect rights, investigate abuses, and align with EU standards.¶¶¶
- EU institutions (Commission, Council) are called upon to support civil society, re-evaluate aid, and impose sanctions.¶¶
- Serbian civil society, independent media, and human rights activists, who would receive financial, legal, and security support from the EU.
Figures and deadlines
- 16 people killed in the Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse on 1 November 2024.¶
- Protests spread to over 400 cities and towns.¶
- 13 individuals re-indicted in September 2025, including former Transport Minister Goran Vesić.¶
- Over 150 foreign nationals with pro-Russian leanings received shooting training in Serbia.¶