Appeal to the European Union: Stand Against Repression and Violation of Fundamental Rights in Serbia

Repression in Serbia is entering a dangerous, systemic phase. Since November 2024, the country has been shaken by a wave of student-led protests following the Novi Sad tragedy, where the collapse of a train station roof claimed 16 lives. Almost six months in, the authorities have responded with repression instead of accountability. More than 1600 protests in over 370 locations across Serbia took place in March alone, testifying to a widespread civic uprising. On March 15, 2025, over 325,000 people participated in the largest protest in Serbia’s history, which was marked by an incident involving an alleged sonic weapon against peaceful protesters that left thousands with lasting injuries.

Students and young people remain unwavering in their demands for accountability, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights. Civil society has been instrumental in rallying both domestic and international support for these calls. As youth from Serbia and across Europe, and building on the motion ‘Condemning youth rights violations and threats to activist safety in Serbia’ adopted at the November 2024 European Youth Forum General Assembly, we appeal to the European Union to stand with us against the escalating repression, violence, and violations of youth rights in Serbia.

Read the motion to find out what we're calling for.