Volt Europa urges EU action on Serbian government’s repression of civil liberties and obstruction of justice

Dear President von der Leyen,

We, Volt Europa, a pan-European political movement committed to democracy, rule of law, and human rights, are gravely concerned by the recent authoritarian developments in Serbia under President Aleksandar Vučić. These actions are increasingly incompatible with the values enshrined in the European Union.

The case of Professor Marija Vasić, a respected academic and advocate for social justice, is emblematic of the alarming erosion of democratic norms. Professor Vasić and five other civic activists were detained under Article 320 of the Serbian Criminal Code – accused of conspiring against the constitutional order. These charges appear to be based solely on a contested audio recording circulated by pro-government media, whose authenticity and admissibility remain highly questionable.

Despite a lack of credible evidence, the six protesters spent two months in incarceration without trial. On the 20th of May, the Court of Appeal in Novi Sad released Professor Vasić and two colleagues from pre-trial detention, placing them under house arrest with electronic monitoring until August. Severe restrictions remain, including bans on communication and receiving visitors.

Meanwhile, the pursuit of accountability for the collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy, which killed 16 citizens, remains deeply obstructed. Although indictments were filed in December 2024, judicial proceedings have been delayed and no convictions have been secured. Instead of ensuring justice for the victims, the Serbian government has chosen to criminalise peaceful protest and to repress legitimate demands for accountability. 

This weekend's municipal elections in Zajecar and Kosjeric revealed serious democratic violations, as documented by independent and opposition observers. There is mounting evidence that the ruling party engaged in systematic voter intimidation, vote buying, maintenance of parallel voting tallies, and harassment of opposition candidates and activists. Rather than an isolated incident, these elections represent another troubling example of the unfree and unjust electoral processes that have become characteristic of Serbia's increasingly authoritarian system under a president who has consolidated power across all levels of government.

We urge you, President von der Leyen, to take a principled stand on this matter and publicly call on President Vučić to release Professor Marija Vasić and all political prisoners currently detained under dubious charges. This is not only a test of Serbia’s democratic credibility but also of the EU’s resolve in defending its foundational values beyond its borders.

We call President von der Leyen and the European Commission to:

• Demand the full release of Professor Marija Vasić and all activists still subject to detention or house arrest under dubious charges.

• Monitor Serbia’s handling of the Novi Sad tragedy to ensure justice is delivered.

• Defend EU values of democracy, justice, and human rights in its relations with Serbia.

Your voice and leadership carry weight. We ask you to stand with those who risk everything to uphold democracy in the Western Balkans.

Sincerely,

Volt Europa