The European Union has called for a rapid and transparent investigation into all incidents and irregularities that marked the November 30 local elections in three Serbian municipalities, following widespread reports of violence, intimidation, and obstruction of independent observers.
In a statement to Radio Free Europe, EU officials said they were “closely following the events” in Mionica, Negotin, and Sečanj, stressing that the proper functioning of democratic institutions is at the core of Serbia’s EU accession process.
The EU emphasized that Serbia’s electoral process still requires substantial improvements and meaningful reforms, noting that authorities must ensure conditions in which both civic and independent observers can perform their duties without pressure, threats, or intimidation.
Brussels reiterated that the full implementation of the OSCE/ODIHR recommendations remains a priority, adding that the EU is ready to support Serbia in enforcing those reforms.
Reports from independent observers and several opposition MPs describe the elections as being overshadowed by numerous violations, including threats, physical attacks, and aggressive behavior from government supporters—while police officers allegedly failed to intervene.
The gravity of the situation was underscored when the prominent election-monitoring organization CRTA suspended its observation mission in Mionica, stating that the safety of its observers was seriously compromised.
These incidents further intensify concerns regarding the deterioration of democratic standards in Serbia, as well as the increasing climate of fear surrounding elections in the country.
