EU Lawmakers: Solidarity with Citizens and Students of Serbia, Authorities Urged to Investigate Cases of Violence

European Parliament (BETAPHOTO/European Parliament/Alain ROLLAND)

Members of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs (AFET) reaffirmed their commitment to Serbia’s path to the European Union (EU) and expressed solidarity with the country’s citizens, students and civil society, the European Parliament said on Jan. 23.

The delegation was spearheaded by Portuguese MEP Marta Temido. The group met with representatives of the Government and Parliament of Serbia, MPs representing the ruling majority and the opposition, as well as representatives of the media, civil society, academic community and students, the European Parliament said in the release.

“The delegation’s visit followed the European Parliament resolution on Serbia adopted on Oct. 22, 2025, which called for an on-the-ground assessment of the state of democracy, the ongoing protests, attacks on demonstrators and repression against students, academics, educators and public sector employees,” the EP added. During the visit, the European parliamentarians underlined that accession to the EU was a merit-based process grounded in respect for democracy, the rule of law, fundamental rights, freedom of the media and judicial independence, as well as full alignment with the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.

“Members of the European Parliament called on the authorities to secure urgent, impartial and transparent investigations into all allegations of unnecessary and disproportionate use of force and unlawful surveillance of demonstrators. Freedom of assembly is a fundamental right that must be respected, and the safety of journalists and demonstrators must be ensured,” the statement said. The European Parliament also noted that the lawmakers received “concerning reports of financial, administrative and physical pressure on academic staff and restrictions on the freedom of the media.”