Citizens of Serbia are entitled to peacefully protest and advocate for justice, good governance, the rule of law, and the elimination of corruption. It is crucial that authorities refrain from using force against them, stated European High Representative Kaja Kalas during her address in Brussels on Wednesday evening.

“Individuals possess the right to peaceful protests, and it is vital that these expressions are not forcibly suppressed. They are justified in calling for justice, good governance, and efforts to combat corruption,” Kalas informed the European Redaction (ENR), a collaborative initiative involving multiple news agencies, including HINA.

Kalas emphasized that these expectations are particularly relevant for a candidate country aspiring to join the European Union, noting that the destiny of Serbia lies in the hands of its citizens, as reported by HINA.

The ongoing protests in Serbia, which are demanding accountability for the tragic collapse of a canopy at the Novi Sad train station, have witnessed numerous assaults on participants. Some of these incidents are attributed to members of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party.

Concerning the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, facilitated by the EU, Kalas acknowledged receiving criticism about the current format and indicated her intention to consult with the new EU Special Representative Peter Sorensen on ways to enhance the process.

“In March, I plan to discuss with Sorensen how we can move forward. I’ve heard criticisms regarding the format, and I’m keen to find ways to make it work effectively,” stated Kalas, reiterating that both Serbia and Kosovo’s European aspirations cannot progress without normalizing their relations.

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