The Serbian government has recognized the validity and significance of the students’ demands and confirmed that they have been fully satisfied, as stated in a message disseminated to all Serbian embassies within European Union (EU) member states, ensuring broad distribution to institutions and parliaments, according to N1’s report today.

“Our commitment to fighting corruption, upholding the rule of law, and strengthening institutions remains unwavering, which is why we have prioritized these issues and value the students’ role in highlighting them,” the communicated text, broadcasted by TV N1, emphasizes.

The statement also notes, “This is why the Serbian Government has met all of their (students’) requests.”

Additively, it asserts that in the past three months, student and citizen protests have been conducted peacefully, without reliance on state force, despite the fact that they were not officially sanctioned as required by law.

According to the text, the government has taken steps to ensure the safety and security of all participants in these unsanctioned gatherings, guaranteeing their protection.

Furthermore, instructions have reportedly been issued to the police to ensure security at every gathering.

“The government and state services have condemned any incidents that posed risks to the safety of students and citizens during such gatherings. Perpetrators have been apprehended, and legal actions are ongoing against the most severe violations,” it stresses.

The text conveys that, while holding accountable those responsible for attacks, political responsibility has also been recognized.

“The Prime Minister assumed personal political responsibility and resigned following incidents involving members of his party. Consequently, not only were the perpetrators quickly identified and brought to justice, but both the Prime Minister and the Mayor of Novi Sad stepped down following a disgraceful act of violence against students,” it reads.

The government appears to be fully aware of the challenges ahead and is dedicated to addressing them, particularly concerning the enhancement and acceleration of Serbia’s European integration process.

“Thus, Serbia aims to expedite its EU accession, proposing to fulfill all obligations by the close of 2026. These values—rule of law, anti-corruption, and media freedom—are those that Europe supports,” it states.

Moreover, it highlights that “an expedited European path is crucial for Serbia to effectively address issues and implement meaningful reforms.”

“While there are attempts to politicize the involvement of certain NGO representatives in our internal affairs, Serbia does not intend to expel or ban any NGOs,” it specifies.

On the contrary, Serbia encourages and anticipates their active participation in the reforms the country is dedicated to enacting.

“A vigorous and engaged civil society is vital for a clear and unequivocal European trajectory and the successful implementation of reforms,” it underlines.

According to the text, the four essential principles that “the President, government, and all state institutions adhere to include dialogue, peaceful resolution of issues, accelerated European integration, and the condemnation of all forms of violence.”

It emphasizes that the students’ and citizens’ demands have been acknowledged and met, listing the students’ requests and affirming that they have all been satisfied.

A criminal investigation commenced the day following the collapse of the Novi Sad Railway Station canopy on November 2, 2024, with dozens questioned, including 20 individuals within 24 hours of the event.

On December 30, 2024, an indictment was issued against 13 individuals, including former Minister of Construction Goran Vesić, the only one released to defend himself while not in custody.

An investigation into corruption was initiated on February 2, 2025, in light of criticisms regarding the adequacy of the initial inquiry, with geological engineer Zoran Đajić also providing testimony, according to the text.

“At the request of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Novi Sad, the Faculty of Technical Sciences conducted an expert analysis that revealed the canopy was 23.11 tons heavier than originally designed, likely contributing to its collapse,” the message sent to all embassies notes.

It also states that investigating and prosecuting such complex matters accurately and fairly requires time.

In regard to the second student demand for the publication of pertinent documents regarding the Railway Station reconstruction, the government has made available at least 559 links, containing 13,042 documents, with an additional 925 documents prepared for release.

“Some documents are yet to be in the state’s possession but have been collected. Reviewing them before public release demands time and resources,” it justifies the delay in releasing all requested documents, despite over 100 days passing since the incident.

Concerning the third demand—ending legal actions against protesters and releasing all detainees—Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić pardoned six students, four school principals, a dean, a university professor, and an assistant arrested during the protests on January 29, 2025, the text states.

“The President instructed law enforcement to secure protest areas and prevent further violent incidents against protesters. Police are consistently ensuring safety for protesters, which signifies a considerable deployment of state resources,” it said.

Additionally, the government plans to boost funding for state universities by 20 percent, totaling 12.1 billion dinars, above the previously planned amount of 60.5 billion, marking the fourth student demand. However, it remains unclarified that students seek these measures to be enshrined in law to prevent them from being one-off measures.

N1 also reported that students feel their demands have not been met satisfactorily, which has led to the continued escalation of protests.

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