Reaction of the NCEU regarding the harassment of civil society organizations
The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) condemns the raid by armed members of the Criminal Police Directorate on the premises of five civil society organizations, including NCEU members, without an appropriate court order. We believe this action, carried out under the orders of the Higher Public Prosecutor’s Office in Belgrade under the pretext of verifying the spending of USAID funds, is politically motivated with the aim of intimidating and pressuring organizations and individuals who critically oppose the decisions and actions of the authorities. At a time when citizens across Serbia are taking to the streets demanding the respect…
NCEU sent a letter to the President of the EC: EU should not turn its backs on Serbian citizens
Program Council of the National Convention on European Union Dear Ms. von der Leyen, Serbia is currently experiencing a serious political and social crisis, which deepens by the day. The tragic accident in Novi Sad on November 1st last year, in which 15 people lost their lives, sparked a wave of student protests. They believe that the accident was a direct consequence of severe corruption during the reconstruction of the Railway Station building. This is just one of many infrastructure projects that remain non-transparent to the public under the pretext of international cooperation agreements. For three months now, mass peaceful…
Serbian President Must Stop Targeting Civil Society Representatives
The Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) is a member of the Program Council of the National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) strongly condemns the public targeting of Maja Stojanović and Civic Initiatives – coordinator of the Intersectoral Working Group for Freedom of Expression and Media – by the President of the Republic of Serbia. This targeting has resulted in daily threats and intimidation through government-aligned tabloids. False accusations regarding her alleged role in organizing student protests have been used to pressure the proposers and candidates involved in the selection process for…
Members of the Council for Creating a Supportive Environment for Civil Society Development Freeze Their Membership Due to Threats to CSOs’ Work
Members of the Council for Creating a Supportive Environment for Civil Society Development, from civil society organizations (CSOs), inform the public that they have unanimously decided not to participate in the Council’s activities or attend its sessions for the foreseeable future. Membership in this body of the Government of the Republic of Serbia will be suspended until the circumstances that have led to the threat to the functioning of civil society in the Republic of Serbia and the violation of national and international regulations and strategic documents in this area are identified and resolved. This decision was made in light…
The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) condemns the intimidation and deportation of 14 foreign citizens from Serbia
The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) condemns the detention, deportation, and entry bans imposed on citizens from the regional and EU countries who participated in a conference organized by the Erste Foundation in Belgrade. This action is seen as a continuation of the pattern of intimidation and threats against civil society activists, under the pretext of involvement in so-called “color revolutions” and other activities that some institutions deem to be security risks. Such actions violate both domestic legal norms and the obligations Serbia has undertaken in its EU accession process. Additionally, they harm the country’s international reputation and…
CDF supports student demands
The Center for Democracy Foundation supports the demands of protesting students. Shared demands of students in blockade: – Publication of the complete documentation on the reconstruction of the Novi Sad railway station – Dismissal of criminal charges against students who were arrested and detained during protests, as well as the termination of ongoing criminal proceedings – Prosecution of those responsible for attacks on students and professors, and their dismissal if found to be public officials – A 20% increase in the budget for higher education Center for Democracy Foundation
CDF Condemns the Deportation of Civil Society Activists from the Region and the EU
Press release issued by the Centre for Democracy Foundation The Centre for Democracy Foundation strongly condemns actions taken by Serbian authorities regarding the detainment and deportation of civil society activists from Croatia, Slovenia, Romania, Albania, and North Macedonia, who attended the ERSTE Foundation NGO Academy in Belgrade. The arrest, unfounded questioning, declaration as a “threat to national security,” and subsequent deportation of civic activists are acts of repression. Such moves undermine trust between Serbia and these countries. This could seriously jeopardise collaboration with EU member states, whose activists were deported, as well as Serbia’s position in accession negotiations. For years,…
The Credibility of the Process for Selecting the New REM Council Has Been Seriously Undermined
The National Convention on the European Union in Serbia (NCEU) warns the national and international public, particularly relevant European Union institutions, that the Committee on Culture and Information of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia is actively undermining the credibility of the process for selecting the new members of the Council of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM). Considering that the REM Council is currently non-functional due to the Committee’s unlawful delay in initiating elections for new members, the NCEU emphasizes that appointing an independent and professional REM Council is a key obligation under Chapter 23 of…
Freedom of Expression and Assembly for Students Must Not Be Undermined
National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) expresses its support for students across Serbia who, through marches and blockades of their universities, are voicing their concerns over the tragic loss of 15 lives in the collapse of a shelter at the railway station in Novi Sad, as well as their dissatisfaction with the response of institutions to this incident. The NCEU particularly supports the students’ demand that institutions, in accordance with their constitutional and legal responsibilities, approach this case with accountability and transparency, thoroughly establishing the facts and responsibilities involved. This would demonstrate…
Human Rights Are Interconnected and Indivisible, and All Must Be Respected!
Statement issued by the Centre for Democracy Foundation on the occasion of International Human Rights Day The Centre for Democracy Foundation extends its congratulations to all citizens of Serbia on the occasion of International Human Rights Day. We believe that our society must dedicate much greater attention to fundamental, basic rights. “We must foster an awareness of the interconnectedness and interdependence of human rights. They are not merely political or civil rights; they are also social, economic, and cultural rights, and all must be respected in their interdependence,” said Nataša Vučković, Secretary General of the Centre for Democracy Foundation. She explained, “When someone’s political rights are…
A fifth of citizens at risk of poverty, adoption of the Social Protection Strategy urgent
Statement from the Center for Democracy Foundation on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty In Serbia, according to the latest data from the National Statistical Office (NSO), 19.9% of citizens live at risk of poverty, while 27.2% of the population is exposed to the risk of poverty or social exclusion. The elderly and the unemployed are particularly affected, indicating a serious lack of a systemic approach to combating poverty. The Center for Democracy Foundation (CDF) actively advocates for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 – eradicating poverty, in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda, which has also been…
Open Letter of the National Convention on the EU
NCEU, 27.8.2024 Open Letter of the National Convention on the EU addressed to the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia and the President of the Government of the Republic of Serbia To the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Mrs. Ana Brnabić To the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Mr. Miloš Vučević Open Letter As you are aware, the National Convention on the European Union is the largest network of civil society organizations in Serbia, comprising several hundred member organizations, including citizens' associations, professional and academic organizations, and individuals…
