Serbia is currently embroiled in a deep political crisis, with protests erupting following the tragic deaths of 15 individuals in Novi Sad. The protests are fueled by accusations of corruption and authoritarianism within the government. Despite the resignation of Prime Minister Miloš Vučević, the movement, led by students, has expanded to more than 200 towns across the country. President Aleksandar Vučić has labeled the protests as an “attempted revolution” orchestrated by foreign powers aiming to destabilize Serbia. The EU has expressed support for the rule of law and freedom of assembly, but has remained relatively quiet on the situation, balancing the need to support a candidate country for EU membership with concerns about the country’s adherence to European standards.
Serbia has been a candidate country for EU membership since 2012, with accession negotiations starting in 2014. The EU is a significant partner for Serbia in terms of trade, investment, and financial assistance. Europe has allocated substantial funds for Serbia to carry out reforms in various sectors, including business, environment, digitalization, and the rule of law. The youth protesters are demanding an end to corruption, and are advocating for more democracy, transparency, justice, fraternity, and accountability in the country. They have expressed distrust in the political institutions of Serbia and are calling for significant change to ensure a more democratic society.
The student protesters in Serbia, who are leading the movement for change, are demanding an independent judiciary and equal rights for all citizens. They have emphasized that their personal identities and background are irrelevant to their cause, as they are focused on promoting values such as honesty and accountability. Many young Serbians participating in the protests feel disillusioned with the delayed accession process to the EU, and believe that the EU’s response to their demands for increased democracy has been inadequate. This sentiment is contributing to a growing sense of euroscepticism among the younger generations in Serbia.
According to Dragana Djurica, an expert in Serbia-EU relations, the older generation in Serbia is more supportive of EU integration due to their experiences during the conflicts of the 90s, which they wish to avoid repeating. However, the younger generation is exhibiting a lack of interest and even disbelief in becoming EU members. Djurica emphasizes the need for the EU to engage more actively in education, cultural exchanges, and funding in order to appeal to the younger Serbians who are tired of the prolonged accession process and misinformation campaigns. She urges the EU to defend its fundamental values and effectively communicate them to citizens to prevent further disillusionment and loss of the younger generation.
The students leading the protests in Serbia are determined to continue mobilizing until the country adopts a system that values knowledge and hard work over blind obedience and silence. They emphasize the importance of standing up for their beliefs and advocating for a more democratic society that respects individual rights and justice. The protests reflect a broader movement among the youth in Serbia who are seeking significant changes to the political and social landscape of the country. The EU’s response to these developments will be crucial in shaping the future relationship between Serbia and the European Union, as well as addressing the concerns of the younger generations who are growing increasingly disillusioned with the current political climate.
