Response of the National Convention on the European Union to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms. Ana Brnabić regarding the letter sent by the Madam Speaker to the National Convention on the EU, requesting a response to the activities of certain citizens protesting near the residences of state officials and the premises of local Serbian Progressive Party offices:

Dear Madam Speaker,

The National Convention on the European Union notes with serious concern the increasingly evident signs of institutional, political, and social crisis in Serbia, one of the consequences of which is a substantial stagnation in our country’s European integration process. The prevailing atmosphere of distrust, rising tensions, and increasingly frequent incidents in public spaces reflect deep societal polarization and a serious erosion of citizens’ trust in public institutions. Over the past months, hundreds of protests have taken place across Serbia, varying in character, intensity, and organization. Their frequency and geographical spread demonstrate clearly expressed dissatisfaction among a large segment of the population, stemming from a sense of exclusion from decision-making processes and a loss of faith in the efficiency and accountability of institutions.

Long-standing practices of impunity in targeting individuals—politicians, activists, and journalists—including the public disclosure of confidential and personal information in the media and misuse of institutional resources, have further undermined trust in the system. In recent months, various forms of intrusion into the private space and property of citizens have further escalated. This has included activities by certain citizens who, unable to address their concerns through institutional channels, direct their dissatisfaction toward specific state officials whom they hold responsible. Simultaneously, there have been instances of damage to private property belonging to civic protest activists and business owners who supported the protests, reportedly committed by unidentified actors allegedly affiliated with the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.

The National Convention remains committed to the institutional resolution of conflicts, the culture of dialogue, and the accountability of all stakeholders. As Speaker of the National Assembly, you occupy a political and institutional position to initiate a process aimed at identifying a sustainable and mutually acceptable path out of this deep political and social crisis, including reform of the electoral process and ensuring minimum standards of professionalism and legality within the media environment.

However, for the credibility and success of such a process, in addition to clear political will on the part of those holding concentrated power, a period of rebuilding minimal trust is also necessary. This is required first to reach a consensus that long-standing abuses of power, the undermining of institutional dialogue, limitations on media pluralism, and systemic disregard for civic and expert voices have contributed to the present crisis—a concern the National Convention and its members have highlighted for years.

 Accordingly, we expect concrete steps on your part that demonstrate genuine readiness and consistency in the commitment to finding common ground and building a sustainable path out of the crisis.

Program Council of the National Convention on the European Union

The European Movement in Serbia is a member of the Programme Council of the National Convention on the European Union.

Link to the text on the webpage of the National Convention on the European Union can be found HERE.