The European Union has expressed concern regarding the developments in Serbia, both about the obstruction of parliamentary work and the interference with the work of civil society organizations.
“We are deeply concerned about the obstruction of parliamentary work and the violence in Parliament. Parliament should be a place for democratic debate in the interest of citizens, and it should exercise its full role,” said an EU spokesperson in a media statement.
“The recent developments in Serbia, directed against civil society organizations, are also concerning. Civil society plays a vital role in the development of democracy and a pluralistic society,” the statement added.
On March 4, the plenary session in Serbia was marred by incidents, as opposition deputies threw smoke bombs and fireworks twice while the ruling coalition parties approved the agenda, which was opposed by the opposition.
Opposition deputies approached the president’s table, activated red and black smoke bombs, and unfurled a banner reading “Serbia is rising to overthrow the regime.”
During the incident, three deputies in the chamber were injured, including one who reportedly suffered a “stroke” and is “in critical condition.”
The European Union urged all parties to address their concerns through dialogue.
“We have continuously called for a de-escalation of tensions, creating conditions for an inclusive dialogue among all participants, including political actors, institutions, and representatives of civil society, to address the necessary reforms for Serbia’s future in the EU,” said the EU’s reaction to the recent developments in Serbia.
During the plenary session on March 4, the ruling parties in Serbia rejected the opposition’s request to discuss only the amendments to the Higher Education Law. This is a demand from the students who have been protesting in Serbia since the deadly collapse of a dormitory at the Novi Sad Railway Station on November 1 of last year.
The Serbian government claims it has met the demands of the protesting students. However, the students say that their blockades and protests will continue, and that expert groups will determine whether the demands have been met or not.
Following the events in the Serbian Parliament, the Basic Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade said it had asked the police to gather the necessary information regarding the incident.
