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The protests in Serbia have entered their fourth month, gaining momentum as public frustration grows. Demonstrators claim that no institution can be trusted and that the political process offers no viable solution to the crisis.
According to multiple sources, several Serbian civil society organizations have sent a letter to EU institutions, urging them to take a stance on the ongoing turmoil. The letter, signed by the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy, Centre for Contemporary Politics, European Movement in Serbia, and the Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights, highlights the deepening crisis, triggered by the collapse of the roof of the recently renovated railway station in Novi Sad November 1, 2024, claiming 15 lives.
Key Messages from the Letter
Serbia Faces a Severe Crisis:
For weeks, students in Belgrade, Novi Sad, Niš, and other cities have been protesting against President Aleksandar Vučić and his ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), demanding accountability for the railway station collapse.
Government Response and Media Campaign:
Authorities have dismissed the protests as a foreign-backed attempt to destabilize Serbia. Vučić has accused the West of financing the unrest in an effort to remove him from power, pledging to expose alleged external funding aimed at weakening Serbia’s sovereignty.
Corruption and Lack of EU Accountability:
The letter criticizes the European Commission’s 2024 report on Serbia, which acknowledges corruption in public procurement and a sharp rise in contracts exempted from oversight (€6.4 billion in 2022 to €7.1 billion in 2023). Despite this, EU officials have remained silent, instead praising Serbia’s “steady progress” in EU accession talks.
Appeal for EU Intervention:
Civil society groups urge the EU to acknowledge the severity of the crisis, support reform demands, and hold Serbian authorities accountable for repression. They warn that failing to engage with the Serbian people could push the country further from European values.
Analysis and Implications
The letter provides valuable insight into the protesters’ grievances and broader political tensions. However, it also exposes contradictions within the movement. While calling for government accountability, protest leaders lack a clear strategy for political transition or an alternative governance plan.
Moreover, the letter’s strong criticism of EU officials for their perceived inaction hints at an effort to escalate tensions between Serbia and Brussels. The EU’s lack of response to the protests—despite their scale—further underscores the complexity of Serbia’s path toward European integration.
