The European Commission has responded to recent events in Serbia, expressing concern over reports of excessive force used against protesters, mass arrests, and accusations against students for allegedly organizing a coup attempt.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. We strongly condemn all acts of hatred and violence. The right to peaceful assembly must be protected,” said Guillaume Mercier, spokesperson for the European Commission.
When asked by N1 whether the actions of Serbian authorities align with EU rules and values, Mercier did not provide a direct answer but emphasized the core principles of the European Union.
“Police intervention must be proportionate and in line with fundamental rights, including the rights of all detainees. We expect a swift, transparent, and credible investigation into allegations of excessive force, and fair procedures for all those arrested,” he added.
Mercier reiterated that fundamental values lie at the heart of the EU project, including the freedom of assembly as a basic human right.
Previously, the European Commission had called on Serbian authorities to respect fundamental rights and democratic standards, which are key requirements in the country’s EU integration process.
According to N1, while Belgrade claims to remain committed to the European path, messages from Brussels indicate that European values must also be upheld in practice.
