• 2025-01-23

The National Convention on the European Union (NCEU) condemns the intimidation and deportation of 14 foreign citizens from Serbia

National Convention on the European Union (NCEU)

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 damage the interests of its citizens.

As the NCEU has consistently advocated for a society open to cooperation with all, we believe that such actions by state authorities could, in the future, undermine Serbia’s international cooperation efforts across various sectors. If participants begin to avoid coming to Serbia, the country could face political, economic, and social consequences that would impact the entire society.

The NCEU calls on the relevant authorities to immediately cease the intimidation and pressure on civil society, and to take urgent action to annul the deportation orders and entry bans against the affected foreign nationals. We also demand that an apology be issued to them and to the representatives of their respective countries.

Source: NCEU