In a resolution adopted on Wednesday, the European Parliament strongly condemns the ongoing political polarisation and state repression in Serbia one year after the Novi Sad tragedy. MEPs want comprehensive and transparent legal proceedings to bring those responsible for the collapse of the railway canopy to justice.

Right to protest

Supporting the rights of Serbian students and citizens to peaceful protest, Parliament calls for accountability and democratic reforms in the country. Civic courage, commitment to non-violence and youth engagement are important, MEPs say, for the advancement of Serbia's EU membership perspective.

They are deeply concerned about the tense and polarised climate fuelled by hate speech, anti-EU and pro-Russian propaganda, and smear campaigns spread by government-controlled media and officials. There has been, MEPs argue, a gross failure from government representatives to face up to and come to terms with Serbia's past. Specifically denouncing unlawful surveillance tactics, including the use of Pegasus spyware, and the use of long-range acoustic devices and tear gas against civilians, MEPs say the Serbian leadership is politically responsible for escalating repression, normalising violence, and weakening the country's democracy.

Calling for urgent and impartial investigations into alleged abuses against protestors, MEPs also strongly condemn the unlawful arrests and expulsions of EU citizens who made statements in support of protesting students. The resolution deplores verbal attacks by high-ranking Serbian officials against MEPs following their engagement with the protests and rejects unfounded claims by Serbian authorities accusing the EU of orchestrating the protests.

Ensure free and fair elections in Serbia

Noting that previous elections were held in unfair conditions marred by pressure on voters and vote buying, the Parliament calls for the immediate and full implementation of OSCE/ODIHR I-EOM recommendations to ensure free and fair elections in Serbia, including independent audits of voter registers and equal media access for all political actors.

Parliament underlines its firm commitment to Serbia's EU membership prospects, under conditions that measurable progress has been made respecting democracy, rule of law, and fundamental rights, as well as full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and sanctions against Russia.

MEPs want high-level EU officials to refrain from making unfounded statements praising the reform processes in Serbia and welcome Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's "new tone" during her recent visit to Serbia, "which is more credible about Serbia's deep problems and negative track record on fundamental reforms".

The resolution supports the prompt deployment of an EU fact-finding mission to Serbia, with the participation of the European Parliament, to assess the situation on the ground, including the state of democracy, the ongoing protests and repression against the participants.

The resolution was adopted by 457 votes in favour, 103 against, and 72 abstentions.