Foreign policy analyst Boško Jakšić criticizes the European Commission for its silence regarding ongoing student and citizen protests in Serbia centered on corruption and the inefficacy of state institutions.

Jakšić stated to the Beta agency that the regime of Aleksandar Vučić enjoys overt backing from Moscow and Beijing, a muted endorsement from Washington, and implicit support from the European Commission, which he describes as a sign of “shameful silence.”

“There are three main reasons why international entities are mute on the protests occurring in Serbia: Moscow and Beijing are openly backing Vučić and his portrayal of the situation as a ‘colored revolution’, despite the absence of revolutionary indicators; the Trump administration remains silently supportive of Vučić, likely unwilling to endorse the student movement; and then there is the disgraceful silence from crucial EU institutions, particularly the European Commission, which continues to uphold the stabilocracy previously advocated by former German Chancellor Angela Merkel,” Jakšić commented.

He further argued that it is hypocritical of the European Commission to repeatedly emphasize the need for democratizing Serbia while remaining silent in the face of genuine calls for reform.

“One must question whether the European Union’s intention is to maintain us within an autocratic regime, using that as justification to deny us membership. The EU’s stance towards current events in Serbia directly fosters anti-European sentiment,” Jakšić assessed.

When asked how Vučić managed to secure backing from international powers, he noted that Vučić has agreed to address the Kosovo and Metohija issue in line with their directives and to assist in stabilizing Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Moreover, Vučić has proposed a lithium mining project, as well as a purchase of military aircraft from France… The European Union has shown itself to be self-serving, focusing more on bilateral agreements than on ensuring that Serbia aligns with EU standards,” he emphasized.

In response to questions about whether Vučić’s aggressive rhetoric is edging Serbia toward larger-scale conflicts, Jakšić indicated that the nation has never been as divided as it is now.

“If Serbia is approaching the brink of a larger conflict, then Aleksandar Vučić bears the utmost responsibility, as he has been drawing divisions across Serbia for the past decade, polarizing the nation in unprecedented ways,” Jakšić stated.

Over 130 non-governmental organizations from approximately 20 European nations have co-signed a Letter of Solidarity with the People of Serbia, urging the Serbian authorities to cease their repression of peaceful protesters. The signatory groups also criticized the European Union, claiming that its inaction has intensified Serbian citizens’ skepticism towards the European path, weakened the enlargement process overall, and undermined the credibility of EU foreign policy.

Rising Tensions Ahead of Saturday’s Protests

Anti-government demonstrators blocked access to public broadcasting facilities in Belgrade and Novi Sad yesterday, halting employee entry and disrupting live broadcasts.

Students have been staging a blockade at the Radio and Television of Serbia headquarters on Takovska Street since the previous night, after the public service referred to them as a “mob.” They announced a 22-hour blockade, allowing employees to leave but preventing any entry until “RTS is liberated.”

Riot police forcibly entered the building through the Aberdareva Street entrance on Monday night, leading to minor confrontations with protesters outside that entrance. One police officer sustained injuries during these events.

While recent protests have largely remained peaceful, tensions are escalating ahead of a significant gathering planned for Saturday in Belgrade, as the student blockade prepares for the event. Academics and high school students from various regions began a march toward the capital on Monday to join in.

Protest leaders have called for peaceful demonstrations; however, Vučić warned on RTS that clashes seem inevitable.

“Violence is unavoidable; plans have already been made… It has been determined who will go with eggs, who with stones, and who with torches toward the Parliament,” he stated.

On the previous day, Vučić appealed to “all political actors” not to resort to violence or act “unconstitutionally,” asserting that the police and relevant state forces are conducting themselves “civilly and in accordance with the law.”

In an Instagram post, he reiterated that authorities aim to avoid violence “almost at all costs.”

“I urge all political actors, whether genuine or pretending not to be, not to hinder the movements of others, to avoid creating hostage situations by obstructing people’s work, and not to attack the police as those officers behaved in a civilized manner last night in front of the RTS building,” Vučić remarked.

He also asserted his awareness of plans by political adversaries from previous ruling parties to “exploit the student protest set for March 15th in Belgrade to reclaim power.”

The president of the People’s Movement of Serbia (NPS), Miroslav Aleksić, declared yesterday that the opposition would not engage in any disturbances during Saturday’s events in Belgrade and urged Vučić not to instigate any “revolutions, violence, or conflicts.”

At a press conference held in the Serbian Parliament, Aleksić commented on the authorities’ accusations of opposition violence, asserting that they are as accurate as Vučić’s claim that police officer Lazar Baćić was injured by “Bolshevik plenum members” outside the RTS two nights prior.

“That injury was actually inflicted by a member of the Gendarmerie—it’s clear that he was struck in the face, likely in the temple area. Yet the authorities ask us not to trust our eyes but to believe their narrative. That exemplifies Vučić’s political approach,” Aleksić said.

As previously noted, Lazar Baćić, a police officer who sustained an eye injury during the protest in front of the RTS building, was off-duty when injured and left the rally after students offered assistance. Footage sourced from the Iks network suggests that his injury may have been caused by his fellow officers in uniform.

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