EU expresses concern over developments in Serbia

The European Union has expressed concern about developments in Serbia, both for the obstruction of the work of Parliament and for interference in the work of civil society organizations.

"We are deeply concerned about the disruption of parliamentary work and violence in Parliament. Parliament should be a place for democratic debate in the interests of citizens and it should exercise its full role," an EU spokesperson said in a press release.

"Recent developments in Serbia, directed at civil society organizations, are also worrying. Civil society plays a vital role in the development of democracy and a pluralistic society," the statement added.

On March 4, the plenary session in Serbia was marred by incidents, as opposition MPs twice set off smoke bombs and pyrotechnic devices as the ruling coalition parties approved the agenda, which the opposition opposed.

Opposition MPs approached the speaker's desk, activated red and black smoke bombs and unfurled a banner that read "Serbia is rising to overthrow the regime."

Three MPs who were in the hall were injured during the incident, including a female MP who was reported to have suffered a "stroke" and is "in danger of death."

The European Union said it invites all parties to address their concerns through dialogue.

"We have consistently called for a reduction in tensions, creating conditions for an inclusive dialogue by all participants, including political actors, institutions and civil society representatives, to address the reforms necessary for Serbia's future in the EU," the EU said in a statement regarding the latest developments in Serbia.

During the plenary session on March 4, Serbia's ruling parties rejected the opposition's request to discuss only amendments to the Law on Higher Education. This is a demand of students who have been protesting in Serbia since the deadly collapse of a shelter at the Novi Sad Railway Station on November 1 last year.

The Serbian government claims to have met the demands of the protesting students. But the students say their blockades and protests will continue and that expert groups will determine whether the demands have been met or not.

Following the events in the Serbian Parliament, the Basic Prosecutor's Office in Belgrade said it has asked the police to collect the necessary information about this event./ REL (A2 Televizion)