Renew Europe welcomes the European Parliament’s strong stance on Serbia with the adopted resolution on the polarisation and increased repression in Serbia, tabled by Renew Europe. One year since the Novi Sad tragedy, we called for an independent investigation into all reports of police brutality in Serbia and for sanctions against individuals perpetuating the violence. Renew Europe calls on the European Union to take a firm stand with Serbian students and peaceful protesters fighting for justice and democracy and to hold President Vučić accountable for democratic backsliding and escalating repression.
“The courage of Serbia's students, our Sakharov Prize finalists, in their peaceful fight for rule of law is an inspiration to us all. Yet, they have been met with a brutal wave of state-influenced violence, intimidation, and indiscriminate arrests. Words of concern are no longer enough. No more red-carpet treatment for Vučić. We need targeted individual sanctions against those officials’ responsible violence, rule of law violations, authoritarianism. The EU should finally wake up to what is happening in our own neighbourhood. The days of impunity in Belgrade are over.”, commented Irena Joveva (Gibanje Svoboda, Slovenia), Renew MEP.
Irena JovevaRenew Europe MEP, Slovenia, Gibanje Svoboda
Helmut Brandstätter (NEOS, Austria), Renew Rapporteur on Serbia, who tabled the resolution, commented:
“We admire the bravery and determination of Serbian students who are taking huge risks to defend democracy and the rule of law. These values also happen to be European values. This is why we shortlisted Serbian students for the Sakharov Prize. Europe and Serbia share the same future. I am confident that we will see Serbia in the EU, but this will not be possible with an authoritarian government.“
Helmut BrandstätterRenew Europe MEP, Austria, NEOS – Das Neue Österreich
With this resolution, the European Parliament expresses strong solidarity with peaceful protesters and their right to assemble and condemns the disproportionate use of force by the Vucic regime and democratic backsliding. It calls for the release of those detained illegally and the protection of civil liberties for a European future free from fear and repression.
Renew Europe has consistently spoken out against the serious attacks on democracy under President Vučić’s regime. Serbia’s EU accession process must advance when there is real and measurable progress on the rule of law, judicial independence, media freedom, and the fight against corruption.
The group recently welcomed Serbian liberal opposition leaders to show its support and nominated the Serbian students for the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.