Following recent developments in Serbia and the use of force against students, citizens, and journalists, diplomatic journalist and editor of the digital magazine rEUconnecting – REUC, Saša Dobrijević, submitted an open letter and interview request to senior officials of the European Union. It is worth noting that Saša Dobrijević has completed Council of Europe trainings in the areas of democratic principles, freedom of expression, anti-corruption prevention, anti-discrimination, international humanitarian law and human rights, protection and safety of journalists, as well as numerous other courses that include examinations on all European laws relevant to these fields.
In the letter addressed to EU institutions, Dobrijević expresses deep concern over the situation in Serbia, particularly the arrest of students during peaceful Vidovdan protests. The letter highlights several key points:
- The use of force against demonstrators, including student marshals, was disproportionate, and reports of physical violence and intimidation have emerged.
- The silence of EU institutions may be interpreted as tacit approval, sending a discouraging message to pro-European youth in Serbia.
- The European Union is called upon to publicly condemn the violence, support an independent investigation, engage in direct dialogue with civil society, and define clear political consequences for countries that undermine democratic rights.
- The letter urges visible solidarity through political gestures, official visits, and support for independent actors in Serbia.
- It warns that the EU’s credibility as a community of values depends not merely on its principles, but on concrete action when those values are defended on the streets.
This letter is a call for the EU to reject institutional silence and respond with the responsibility demanded by its democratic mandate.
The full letter follows:
Open Letter to the Institutions of the European Union
On the Recent Arrests of Students and the Suppression of Peaceful Assembly in Serbia
To the President of the European Commission,
To the President of the European Parliament
To the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
To the Members of the Council of European Union,
To the Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement,
I write to you with deep concern regarding the recent events in the Republic of Serbia, a candidate country for European Union membership. On and following Vidovdan, June 28, 2025, peaceful student-led protests in Belgrade and other cities were met with disproportionate force, resulting in the arrest of dozens of students, including student marshals, and reports of physical violence and intimidation.
These developments raise urgent questions about Serbia’s adherence to the fundamental values enshrined in the EU Treaties—respect for human dignity, freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly, and the rule of law. The silence of EU institutions in the face of these violations risks being interpreted not as neutrality, but as acquiescence. It sends a disheartening message to the pro-European youth of Serbia who, in defending these very values, now find themselves isolated and vulnerable.
We respectfully urge the European Union to:
Publicly acknowledge and condemn the use of force against peaceful demonstrators, particularly students, and call for the immediate release of those detained without due process.
Initiate or support an independent investigation into the events of June 28–29, including the legality of police actions.
Reaffirm the EU’s commitment to democratic principles by engaging directly with Serbian civil society, student representatives, and academic institutions.
Clarify the political consequences for candidate countries that systematically undermine fundamental rights, including the potential suspension of accession negotiations in cases of persistent democratic backsliding.
Demonstrate solidarity through high-level visits, public statements, and targeted support for civic actors and independent institutions in Serbia.
The European Union’s credibility as a community of values depends not only on its treaties but on its actions. At a time when young citizens in Serbia are risking their safety to uphold democratic ideals, the EU must not remain a distant observer. It must be a principled partner.
We trust that you will treat this matter with the seriousness it demands and respond in a manner that reflects the Union’s founding values and its responsibility toward those who believe in them.
Respectfully,
Saša Dobrijević
Diplomatic International Journalist
Belgrade, Serbia“
The response of the European Commission
The spokesperson of the European Commission sent a response with the position of this institution in relation to the situation with the use of force on students, citizens and journalists.
Official letter from the European Commission in response to the open letter and appeal
Here is the full response of the spokesperson of the European Commission:
„Dear Saša Dobrijević,
We are closely monitoring the situation. We condemn all acts of hate and violence. The right of peaceful demonstration is to be upheld.
Police action must be proportionate and respect fundamental rights, including for all those ones being detained. We expect a swift, transparent and credible investigation into allegations of excessive use of force by the law enforcement authorities. And we also expect that due process is ensured for all those detained in the context of protests.
Fundamental values are at the core of our common European project and need to be respected. This also applies to freedom of assembly as a fundamental right.“
It remains to be seen whether there will be public addresses by representatives of the European Commission and other officials from the institutions of the European Union.
