Major protests in Serbia raise security concerns as Dutch Embassy issues warning
Mass protests against President Aleksandar Vucic are expected to escalate this weekend in Serbia, prompting the Dutch Embassy to warn its citizens to avoid crowds and demonstrations. Concerns over potential violence have intensified as both anti-government protesters and Vucic supporters gather in the capital.
Tens of thousands of demonstrators from across Serbia have arrived in Belgrade, with more expected throughout the weekend. Protesters are calling for the resignation of Vucic, accusing him of corruption and close ties with Russia. However, many have faced delays due to reported blockades on train routes, which some believe were deliberately placed to hinder attendance.
Simultaneously, large groups of Vucic supporters have set up a camp in Belgrade, encircled by tractors for protection. Among them are former paramilitary members. Authorities have closed the Serbian parliament building for three days as tensions rise. Officials, including Vucic and Prime Minister Milos Vucevic, have warned of strong crackdowns if demonstrations turn violent.
The Embassy urges Dutch in Serbia to be careful
The Dutch Embassy in Belgrade has urged Dutch nationals to remain cautious. The advisory warns that Serbian authorities have recently arrested and expelled foreigners, including European Union citizens, for attending public gatherings related to civil organizations.Serbia has seen ongoing protests for months, fueled by the collapse of a section of Novi Sad’s central train station in November 2024. The incident, which killed 15 people, intensified accusations of corruption within the government. The station, constructed with steel, concrete, and glass, had opened in 2022 as part of Serbia’s modernization plans but instead became a symbol of political and infrastructural failure.
Many Serbians blame corruption among contractors, regulators, and politicians for the disaster. Students have led the protest movement, calling for transparency, accountability, and the resignation of those responsible, including Vucic. Over time, the movement has gained significant public support, drawing backing from farmers, teachers, and other groups demanding governmental change.
Despite mounting protests, Vucic remains in control. He has ruled Serbia with "an authoritarian grip" for over a decade. In 2023, he secured another election victory, though opposition parties accused him of fraud. International observers also noted irregularities in the election process.
While past protests, including those following two mass shootings in 2022, failed to remove Vucic from office, the current demonstrations appear to have weakened his government. Growing public unrest has already forced Minister of Transport Goran Vesic and Prime Minister Vucevic to announce their resignations. However, Vucevic has yet to formally step down and continues to hold office.
Serbia has been a candidate for European Union membership since 2011, but negotiations have stalled due to ongoing concerns over corruption and democratic backsliding. In December 2024, the Netherlands blocked the next phase of Serbia’s EU accession talks. Dutch Minister for European Affairs Erik Veldkamp stated that Serbia had not made sufficient progress on rule-of-law reforms, describing the country as “not yet ready” for further integration.
Another key issue is Serbia’s refusal to recognize Kosovo as an independent state. Internal instability remains a major concern for EU leaders. Earlier this month, tensions spilled into Serbia’s parliament when opposition lawmakers set off smoke bombs and tear gas in solidarity with the protest movement.
