Brussels – Two months of relentless anti-corruption mass protests in Serbia are finally backing not only the Belgrade government into a corner, but the European Union as well. While no EU flags are visible in the streets of Belgrade—and in other cities across the country—the protesters’ demands closely concern how Brussels responds to the backsliding on its core values in countries aspiring to join the EU.
“If the EU remains silent, it risks losing its last threads of credibility as a guarantor of modernisation and Europeanisation in Serbia,” Srđan Majstorović, Chairman of the Board of European Policy Center (CEP) in Belgrade and member of Balkans in Europe Policy Advisory Group (BiEPAG), told The New Union Post. The key demand of thousands of people taking to the streets every day is the respect of the principles of the rule of law, that is also “the very essence of the accession process.” However, by turning a blind eye to what is happening in Serbia, “the EU is enabling the regime to avoid accountability,” Majstorović warned.
“What we are asking for—and what would benefit the EU itself—is for the EU to call things by their proper names,” he added. When freedom of the media and expression is under attack, when civil society, environmental, and gender rights activists are targeted, and when minorities are oppressed, Brussels “should speak up and clearly state that such actions are unacceptable.” Otherwise, public sentiment towards the EU—currently below 50%—risks sinking even further.
Two month of protests in Serbia
Following the collapse of Novi Sad’s railway station canopy on 1 November 2024—resulted in 15 deaths and two severe injuries—a wave of mass protests erupted across the country. After students were attacked in Belgrade during a silent tribute to the victims, blockades of educational institutions began on 22 November at the Faculty of Dramatic Arts, with other faculties and high schools joining in soon after. At every protest, 15 minutes of complete silence are always observed.
“This tragic event demonstrated that widespread corruption leads to the loss of human lives,” Majstorović pointed out. This is a “crucial moment” for Serbia, marking “a change of political generation,” he added, noting that this new generation has never participated in Serbia’s political life “in the numbers we see now.” As the old saying goes: you can ignore politics, but politics will never ignore you. “They learned this in a dramatic and tragic way,” while recognizing the core principle of democracy—that we should all be equal before the law. Regardless of political party membership or affiliation, “they stand for the rule of law,” Majstorović highlighted.
The students’ demands are “precise, straightforward, and simple,” which is precisely why the regime is struggling to meet them. They call for full transparency in public projects—especially regarding the refurbishment of Novi Sad train station—the withdrawal of false charges against those arrested during the first anti-government protest in November, and accountability for the violence committed against them by individuals proven to be affiliated with the ruling party. Furthermore, these individuals are being urged to resign from their public positions.
This young generation is “particularly smart” in their ability to “avoid the trap of ideologising the issue, ensuring they steer clear of toxic and divisive political topics,” which is why they have resonated so widely, Majstorović confirmed. “People are beginning to feel liberated from fear and more confident in expressing criticism of the government,” as it is shown by the fact that even in small cities where people are protesting for the first time in decades.
Confronted by a resolute and determined youth, “the regime’s panicked response clearly shows that it does not know how to react to this surge of bright ideas and fresh energy.” For this reason, Majstorović underscored that “a change is necessary,” beginning with President Aleksandar Vučić. After 13 years in power, “it is time for him to consider his future outside of politics for the sake of his country and society.” Such a transformation will take time and likely involve “sustainable” policy proposals, inter-societal negotiations, “and perhaps foreign facilitation to help get out this crisis.”
If this new generation succeeds, Serbia could become a very different place within a few years. As Majstorović explained, the country could return to full respect for the rule of law, re-establish a clear separation of powers, reset its judiciary, and become a “trustworthy” partner for Europe. Serbia might join Montenegro and Albania as a frontrunner in the EU accession process and even resolve the long-standing issue with Kosovo. Belgrade could emerge as “a true leader in the region, fostering positive development,” particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Is the EU losing another opportunity?
Unlike Georgia—another EU candidate country where citizens have been protesting against the authorities for nearly two months—EU flags and the topic of EU accession are completely absent from the protests in Serbia. “This is another smart decision by the students,” Majstorović observed, noting that they avoided falling into the trap of divisiveness, “as unfortunately, EU membership is one of those polarising issues here.”
Fighting for respect for the rule of law in their own country, the students have deliberately refrained from using politically charged symbols, waving only the Serbian flag. “Not all of them are necessarily pro-EU or fully understand what EU membership would mean for them,” Majstorović explained. He attributed this hesitation to over a decade of a “systematic, artificial media campaign orchestrated and promoted by the government” to undermine the EU enlargement process and its integration requirements.
On 21 January, Serbia marked the 11th anniversary of its start of EU accession negotiations. Yet, the country has deteriorated from a consolidated democracy to “a hybrid regime.” Majstorović warned that Brussels’ silence on Serbia’s democratic backsliding enables the government to claim it is still making slow progress toward EU membership. “How can Serbia be expected to adopt the EU acquis if it does not even respect its own constitution and legislation?,” he questioned.
However, the response from Brussels has been rather weak so far. “We encourage all political actors to return to dialogue,” Guillaume Mercier, the European Commission’s spokesperson for Enlargement, recently stated. According to the EU executive, “this would allow for a renewed focus on completing reforms in key areas such as the rule of law, fundamental rights, and full alignment with the EU acquis.” Beyond expressing “concerns” about the “incidents” against demonstrators, the spokesperson reiterated the importance of “freedom of assembly, which is a fundamental EU right.”
