Statement by the European Movement in Serbia and the Forum for International Relations:
Support for Diplomats of the Republic of Serbia in Defence of Professional Integrity and Citizens’ Rights
Belgrade, 8 October 2026
The European Movement in Serbia and its Forum for International Relations express their full and unequivocal support for the diplomats of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
who have publicly drawn attention to serious irregularities in the organisation of voting for citizens of the Republic of Serbia abroad. Their public stance represents an act of professional integrity, civic courage and responsibility towards the state and its citizens, as well as a refusal to remain silent in the face of actions that jeopardise voting rights and further undermine trust in state institutions.
We condemn in the strongest possible terms the actions of the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which, despite the multiple increase in the number of registered voters abroad, has proposed a disproportionately small number of polling stations, without providing a convincing explanation for their distribution, as well as voting arrangements that force a significant number of Serbian citizens in the diaspora to vote during the night. Particularly unacceptable is the Ministry’s inappropriate and dismissive attitude towards citizens who demand the exercise of their constitutionally guaranteed right to vote.
We demand that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately propose, and that the Republic Electoral Commission approve without delay, the opening of additional polling stations, in accordance with the number and geographical distribution of registered voters, while ensuring appropriate voting hours according to local time zones. The right to vote must not remain merely formally guaranteed, but must be genuinely accessible to all citizens of the Republic of Serbia, as provided for by law.
At the same time, we warn that diplomats’ public disclosure of irregularities must not serve as grounds for pressure, discrediting or any professional repercussions. Any attempt to intimidate or punish them would constitute an unacceptable attack on the professional integrity and independence of the diplomatic service. Diplomats serve the Republic of Serbia, its Constitution and its citizens, not the political authorities. Defending this principle means defending the state and its institutions.
You can find the statement HERE.
