Behind the façade of a non-governmental organization, the Center for Social Stability (CSS) has for years brought together a network of individuals closely linked to Serbia’s ruling party and state institutions, while simultaneously maintaining cooperation with European foundations and EU-funded programs. Critics argue that, despite publicly promoting democratic and European values, the organization has been involved in systematic targeting of journalists and critics of the government, in stark contrast to the principles advocated by the European Union.
Background and Leadership
Founded in 2004 in Novi Sad, the Center for Social Stability is led by Ognjen Karanović and reportedly counts around 50 associates. While presenting itself as an NGO dedicated to strengthening democratic awareness and European values, critics allege that since its inception the organization has played a role in non-transparent campaigns against opponents of President Aleksandar Vučić.
The most recent controversy centers on the release of a darkly themed video targeting Veran Matić, president of the Managing Board of ANEM, followed by the publication of a list of 44 additional names—mostly journalists from independent media and outspoken critics of the government—whom the organization allegedly plans to focus on in the coming days.
Links to the Ruling Party and State Institutions
One of the organization’s founders is Nemanja Starović, currently Serbia’s Minister for European Integration. Observers note the contradiction between his official role—guiding Serbia toward EU membership—and allegations that, as a former associate of the Center, he was involved in campaigns targeting journalists and political opponents.
Investigations into the Center’s associates suggest that many have direct or indirect ties to the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) and are employed in state or publicly funded institutions, including:
- The Assembly of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina
- Matica Srpska
- Public funds and agencies linked to EU projects
- Municipal libraries and local government bodies
Several associates reportedly attended the Political Academy of the Svetozar Miletić Foundation, an invitation-only program. Notably, the Foundation’s administrator, Srđan Graovac, is also a collaborator of the Center and an employee of Matica Srpska. Critics argue that the dual employment of both Graovac and CSS Director Karanović at Matica Srpska raises questions about the indirect involvement of respected cultural institutions in politically motivated targeting.
Cooperation With European Foundations
A recurring point of criticism is that many CSS associates cooperate closely with European organizations, including the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, the German Agency for International Cooperation, and the Belgrade Open School.
Examples frequently cited include:
- Tamara Davidović, employed at the Vojvodina Fund for European Affairs and Development, actively involved in EU projects and cooperation with GIZ.
- Aleksa Grubešić, a participant in programs run by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the Belgrade Open School, and author of a controversial documentary accused of denying the Srebrenica genocide; he currently serves in the provincial government of Vojvodina.
- Jelena Antić Periz, also linked to European foundations, who has served as an SNS councilor in the municipality of Vrbas since 2020.
- Aleksa Kondić, an SNS member since 2017, active in party youth structures and currently holding local political functions.
- Dalibor Mirić, formerly employed by the Assembly of AP Vojvodina and later appointed State Secretary in the Ministry of Public Administration and Local Self-Government.
Allegations of Double Standards
Critics argue that these biographies reveal a striking contradiction: individuals who publicly promote EU values, dialogue, and democratic standards through European-funded projects are, at the same time, accused of participating in campaigns that stigmatize journalists, independent media, and political opponents inside Serbia.
Media watchdogs and civil society organizations warn that such practices undermine media freedom, fuel intimidation, and erode trust in both domestic institutions and European-funded initiatives operating in the country.
Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding the Center for Social Stability has reignited debate about:
- The misuse of NGO status for political purposes
- The blurring of lines between party politics, state institutions, and civil society
- The credibility of EU-funded programs when local partners are accused of violating core democratic values
As pressure mounts from journalists’ associations and international observers, calls are growing for greater transparency, accountability, and clear separation between political power and civil society organizations in Serbia.
