Lawmakers in the European Parliament will hold a panel discussion on Tuesday on the state of democracy in Serbia, against the backdrop of mounting protests and growing concerns over authoritarianism in the country.
The event, hosted by members of the Socialists and Democrats (S&D), Renew Europe (RE) and Greens parliamentary groups, will feature MEPs Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D), Helmut Brandstätter (RE) and Vladimir Prebilič (Greens), alongside representatives of Serbia’s opposition parties, including the Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), the Green-Left Front (ZLF) and the Movement of Free Citizens (PSG).
Organisers said the recent collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad, which triggered mass student-led protests, has become a symbol of government negligence and disregard for public safety. Demonstrations have since spread across the country, with opposition parties and civil society accusing authorities of eroding democratic standards.
“Serbia has entered a phase of deepening political turmoil, marked by authoritarian tendencies, restrictions on freedoms and repression of critical voices,” the organisers said in a statement. They added that opposition figures, students and activists have increasingly faced intimidation and physical attacks as they push for transparency, accountability and early elections.
Later on Tuesday, the European Parliament’s plenary session will debate the “wave of violence and continued use of force against protesters in Serbia,” with contributions expected from the European Commission and the Council.