European lawmakers who witnessed the police crackdown on student protests in Novi Sad have strongly rejected threats and insults from Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, calling them a violation of democratic norms.
Vula Ceci, co-chair of the European Green Party from Greece, stated that neither the recent threats nor Vučić’s labeling of the lawmakers as “scum” will intimidate them. “The president, who previously called peaceful demonstrators ‘terrorists,’ has now crossed the line by insulting European parliamentarians and a European political party delegation,” Ceci said.
She added that freedom of speech cannot be attacked and that Vučić’s threat of criminal prosecution is “particularly alarming, as it undermines the rule of law.” She criticized Vučić for portraying European visitors as a threat to Serbia’s stability, calling it an attack on all democrats.
Ceci emphasized that what they witnessed in Novi Sad reflects the daily authoritarianism faced by Serbian citizens. “Our solidarity is with them; their courage in defending democracy deserves support, not hostility. The European Union cannot remain silent,” she said.
During their visit, Ceci and MEP Rasmus Nordqvist showed support for the Green-Left Front and peaceful protesters opposing the closure of the University of Novi Sad. Nordqvist stressed that the Serbian people are fighting for democratic rights and freedoms in a country seeking EU membership.
“The Greens will not be intimidated by Vučić’s threats or insults. Having witnessed authoritarianism firsthand, we again call on the European Commission, the European Parliament, and the European Council to address the situation in Serbia,” Nordqvist said.
The European Parliament is scheduled to discuss the ongoing use of force against demonstrators in Serbia during its plenary session in Strasbourg on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party is a member of the European People’s Party.
