We are alarmed by the detention and unjust deportation of civic activists from Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Albania, and North Macedonia, who were participating in the Erste Stiftung NGO Academy in Belgrade. These individuals were detained overnight, interrogated without evidence, labeled as “national security threats,” and banned from entering Serbia for a year. This follows a pattern of harassment, with two similar expulsions of Croatian nationals in recent weeks and a number of repressive actions against Serbian peaceful protesters. Since Summer 2024, the repression against Serbian civil society organisations, grassroot activists, high school and University students has intensified through the use of surveillance documented by Amnesty International, detentions and unpunished violence by para-state groups. This time, the regime focused on an international group of civic activists sponsored by a reputable Austria-based foundation promoting regional cooperation and learning.

These actions, targeting respected professionals and international cooperation initiatives, signal the Serbian Government’s growing hostility toward civic activists and journalists. This oppression occurs amid massive student protests against corruption and mismanagement, which the regime seems eager to suppress by scapegoating foreign nationals and fostering animosity toward neighboring countries and the EU.

We urge Serbian authorities to explain these unjust actions and ensure respect for human rights and freedoms. EU institutions and member states must hold Serbia accountable and demand adherence to democratic values, particularly as an EU candidate country.

We stand in solidarity with all victims of this regime and call for a united Europe-wide response to protect civic space, peace and human rights in Serbia.