The new European Union Ambassador to Serbia, Andreas von Beckerath, said on Wednesday after a meeting with Serbian Prime Minister Djuro Macut that the EU condemns the violence during protests in Serbian cities and called for an immediate calming of the situation.
“Freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of the media must be respected,” Von Beckerath wrote on his X account on Wednesday.
He also stressed that “police action must remain proportionate” and that “excessive use of force must be investigated, including threats and violence against journalists.”
A wave of protests, which began in Serbia in November 2024, has now entered a new phase.
There have been daily clashes between demonstrators and police since August 12, when violence erupted in the northern cities of Vrbas and Bačka Palanka.
These incidents triggered protests in dozens of cities across the country, including the capital Belgrade, while allegations of police brutality spread nationwide.
In recent days, several non-governmental organizations have filed criminal complaints against police officers for violence against protesters.
Beckerath added that the European Union is closely monitoring the situation “also in the context of negotiations with Serbia on EU membership.”
“The path towards the European Union offers solutions to many of the challenges Serbia is facing,” Von Beckerath emphasized.
He also noted that he had a constructive meeting with the Prime Minister of Serbia.
Macut earlier welcomed “Von Beckerath’s proactive approach since the first day of his mandate and his balanced statements on the current situation in Serbia, especially his condemnation of all types of violence, including attacks on political party offices.”
During the protests, offices of Serbia’s ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) have been damaged.
Since November, mass protests have been taking place in Serbia following the collapse of a concrete shelter at the Novi Sad railway station, which killed 16 people.
Students and demonstrators are demanding political and criminal accountability, as well as the announcement of early parliamentary elections.
