Condemnation of repression in Serbia and call for an investigation into the Novi Sad tragedy

The resolution blames the Serbian leadership for political responsibility for the escalating violence and weakening of democracy. Parliament is demanding that the tragedy in which a structure collapsed at the Novi Sad railway station be transparently investigated and those responsible brought to justice.

MEPs also supported the right of students and citizens to peaceful protest and criticised the violent crackdown, arrests and use of surveillance technologies such as Pegasus spyware. According to the resolution, the Serbian authorities are responsible for normalising violence, spreading hate campaigns and anti-EU propaganda.

Parliament warned that the last elections in Serbia were held under unfair conditions, with pressure on voters and vote buying. It therefore calls for the full implementation of OSCE recommendations, including an independent audit of the electoral roll and ensuring equal access to the media for political parties.

Despite the criticism, Parliament has confirmed that it supports Serbia's European perspective, but only on the condition of measurable progress in the areas of democracy, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights. The text also welcomes the new, more realistic tone of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen during her recent visit to Serbia.

The resolution includes a call for an EU fact-finding mission, with the participation of the European Parliament, to assess on the spot the state of democracy, the course of the protests and the level of repression against those involved.