A Warning from European Civil Society Organizations

We are deeply concerned about the detention and unjust deportation of civil society activists from Austria, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Albania, and North Macedonia who participated in the Erste Stiftung NGO Academy in Belgrade.

These individuals were detained overnight, interrogated without evidence, labeled as “threats to national security,” and banned from entering Serbia for one year. This is part of a pattern of harassment, with two similar deportations of Croatian citizens in recent weeks, alongside numerous acts of repression against peaceful Serbian protesters.

Since this summer, the repression against Serbian civil society organizations, activists, high school and university students has intensified through surveillance – as documented by Amnesty International, frequent arrests, and unpunished violence carried out by para-state groups. This time, the regime has focused on an international group of civil activists sponsored by a reputable Austrian foundation promoting regional cooperation and learning.

These actions, targeting respected professionals and initiatives for international cooperation, highlight the growing hostility of the Serbian government towards civil society activists and journalists. This repression occurs amid mass student protests against corruption and mismanagement, which the regime seeks to suppress by blaming foreign nationals and fostering hostility towards neighboring countries and the EU.

We call on the Serbian authorities to transparently explain these unjust practices and ensure the protection of human rights and freedoms. EU institutions and member states must hold Serbia accountable and demand adherence to democratic values, especially from a country that is a candidate for EU membership.

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

Sincerely,

Catalyst Balkans and civil society co-signatories