The European Green Party has called for urgent European support for ongoing protests in Serbia, where people are demanding justice, transparency, and democratic governance.
In a statement, the European Greens reminded that the demonstrations were initially sparked by the death of 15 people in the collapse of a shelter at the train station in Novi Sad. It added that widespread corruption and state negligence have fueled public discontent.
What began as student-led protests has evolved into a national movement, with professors, lawyers, and artists joining the calls for democratic change after 12 years of rule by President Aleksandar Vučić, which is becoming increasingly authoritarian and undemocratic, including suppressing independent journalism.
The statement also mentioned that the government is threatening to reduce salaries for striking professors, while students are subjected to violent attacks by masked and unmasked supporters of the Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), which is an associated member of the European People’s Party (EPP).
Co-chair of the European Green Party, Vula Ceci, stated that the people in Serbia, facing corruption and political oppression, are bravely fighting for accountability and justice. The Greens condemned the threats from SNS against students and professors, as well as the violence sparked by their rhetoric.
Ceci also said the European Commission must respond urgently, rather than remaining passive.
“Europe must support the protesters’ demands for the Serbian government to be open, transparent, and accountable to the people, and to work towards meeting the students’ demands for independent institutions and a government that serves its citizens. The EPP should demand that its member, SNS, respect the rule of law,” Ceci emphasized.
Kiran Kaf, the other co-chair of the European Greens, said, “Serbia’s future home is in the EU,” and therefore, the European Commission must pressure the Serbian government to defend democracy and be open, transparent, and accessible to the citizens.
“The spontaneous movement in Serbia shows the resilience and determination of the people to protect their rights. The EU must stand firmly in defense of democratic values and ensure a partnership in which these principles are respected,” Kaf stressed.
The Green-Left Front in Serbia, which has been a member of the European Green Party since December, has given “full support” to the student protests and the calls for a successful fight against corruption.
