The European People’s Party (EPP) has initiated a review of the associate membership status of Aleksandar Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS), as announced by EPP President Manfred Weber. This scrutiny follows mass protests that erupted in Serbia after a tragic incident in November, where a concrete canopy collapsed at the newly renovated Novi Sad train station, resulting in the deaths of 16 people. Demonstrators, primarily students, have voiced allegations of corruption and negligence against Vučić’s government and have called for his resignation. Recent protests have highlighted rising concerns regarding police brutality, including excessive force and instances of sexual harassment directed at opposition activists. Vučić and the ruling SNS have responded by rejecting calls for early elections, accusing protesters of inciting unrest, indicating a significant disconnect between the government and the public’s sentiment.
As a candidate country for EU membership, the SNS holds an associate membership within the EPP, which involves close ties and shared values with the party but limited voting rights. Conflicts surrounding Vučić’s policies have generated growing tensions within the EPP, underscored by Weber’s acknowledgment that the party is not turning a blind eye to developments in Serbia. An internal debate about how to manage Vučić’s association with the EPP appears to be intensifying, reflecting the party’s awareness and concern over the political climate in Serbia. Importantly, the EPP is poised to conduct an investigation via a working group to assess the SNS’s membership status, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Criticism from the EPP has in part stemmed from Vučić’s close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly in light of the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Despite EU sanctions against Russia, Vučić has maintained strong ties with Moscow, citing historical connections and energy security. His attendance at Russia’s Victory Day parade alongside Putin on May 9 raised significant concerns in Brussels, further complicating the EPP’s position on his membership. There are divergent views within the EPP regarding whether maintaining communication channels with Vučić is beneficial, with some arguing that continuing associate membership could facilitate dialogue, while others see it as problematic given his alignment with controversial leaders and policies.
The absence of Vučić from the EPP’s recent congress in Valencia was discussed as a notable indicator of the party’s desire to mitigate the visibility of his administration. Although he was eligible to attend and speak as the head of state, the party’s leadership appeared to prefer that he not join, hoping to downplay SNS’s involvement in the event. EPP sources revealed that the situation surrounding Vučić’s decision was both intentional and strategic, aimed at managing the optics of his participation. Ultimately, the decision to skip the congress rested solely with Vučić, indicating an ongoing rift between him and the EPP dynamic.
In defending his administration, Vučić maintains that Serbia’s future lies within the European Union and expresses openness to dialogue amid the chaos of protests. However, he placed blame on the protesters for the violence that occurred, emphasizing that such actions damage the country’s reputation. Despite facing accusations of police brutality, Vučić defended law enforcement’s conduct, asserting they responded with restraint compared to police forces in other EU nations. He highlighted a recent visit to Ukraine as a sign of support amidst the broader crisis, positioning Serbia in a complicated geopolitical landscape.
The rising discontent regarding the Serbian government’s policies has not gone unnoticed in European political circles. The European Parliament is set to hold a debate concerning the handling of protests within Serbia, where concerns over the government’s use of force against demonstrators will be discussed. Political entities, including the European Green Party, have called attention to escalating repression in Serbia while urging the EPP to advocate for free elections. The intersection of protests, government responses, and international scrutiny paints a complex picture of Serbia’s current political climate, setting the stage for potential shifts in the EPP’s relationship with Vučić and the SNS moving forward.
