BELGRADE — Serbia’s Foreign Minister Marko Djuric responded firmly to recent remarks by EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos regarding the handling of protests in Serbia, emphasising that while the country guarantees freedom of expression and assembly, it will not tolerate violent actions aimed at destabilising state institutions.
In a post published on July 3 via his official channel, Djuric stated:
“Serbia guarantees freedom of expression and assembly — but no democracy can tolerate violence disguised as protest, or deliberate attempts to destabilize institutions under whatever pretext.”
His remarks follow concerns raised in Brussels, where Commissioner Kos noted that the European Union is “closely monitoring reports of excessive use of force against protestors in Serbia.” The protests in question, which escalated in recent days, have drawn widespread attention amid increasing political polarisation.
Without naming specific events, Djuric framed his position within the broader principles of democratic governance, asserting that fundamental rights must apply equally to all citizens, including, as he put it, the right of society “not to be held hostage by orchestrated disruption.”
In a direct message to the EU official, the Serbian foreign minister criticised what he called “selective outrage” based on narratives that he described as incomplete or biased.
“Dear Marta Kos, selective outrage, based on incomplete or biased narratives, does little to promote stability or democratic dialogue. We expect respect for Serbia’s democracy and for the complexities on the ground to be acknowledged before rushing to judgment.”
The exchange highlights ongoing frictions between Belgrade and Brussels, particularly over democratic standards, the rule of law, and public order. Djuric’s statements reflect not only a defence of domestic institutions but also a broader political message directed toward European partners, one seeking acknowledgement of Serbia’s internal challenges and rejection of what it perceives as external politicisation of local developments.
This latest episode occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions in Serbia’s domestic arena, where street demonstrations and competing narratives about democratic accountability continue to shape the country’s path toward EU integration.
