The European Union has voiced serious concern over recent disruptions and violence in Serbia’s parliament, calling on all stakeholders to engage in an inclusive dialogue.
In a statement on X, EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said, “We are very concerned by the disruptions of parliamentary work and the violence in the Serbian parliament. The parliament must be the place for democratic debate in the interest of all citizens, and must fully play its role.”
The commissioner stressed that developments targeting civil society organizations are particularly alarming. “We have been consistently calling for de-escalation of tensions, by establishing conditions for an inclusive dialogue involving all stakeholders, including political actors, institutions and members of civil society to address reforms necessary for Serbia’s EU future,” Kos added.
The disturbances erupted during a session that was set to discuss the resignation of Prime Minister Milos Vucevic and a proposed law on higher education. According to Radio Television of Serbia (RTS), three lawmakers were injured during the ensuing clash between opposition and ruling party members. Parliament President Ana Brnabic reported that an eight-month-pregnant lawmaker sustained injuries, while another suffered serious injuries after being pepper-sprayed and struck with a bottle. Additionally, one lawmaker, allegedly hit by a stun grenade, suffered a stroke and is in critical condition.
Tensions escalated when opposition lawmakers attempted to approach President Brnabic but were blocked by security, sparking further chaos. Video footage captured opposition members lighting torches and throwing smoke bombs—filling the assembly hall with red, black, and white smoke—while some MPs resorted to throwing water bottles, egg cartons, and using pepper spray. In the wake of the turmoil, two lawmakers reportedly submitted their resignations.
The incident has deepened the political crisis in Serbia, already marked by months-long anti-corruption protests and public discontent with the current government. EU officials and local observers alike have called for a de-escalation of tensions and the restoration of calm in the parliamentary process.
U.S. efforts to squeeze Iran’s economy through an oil blockade and sanctions are becoming increasingly difficult for Tehran to withstand, acc...
Iran has buried servicemen and civilians, including people attending a wedding, killed in recent U.S. air raids on southern and western parts of th...
President Donald Trump is leaving more than a paper trail from his time in office. The U.S. is now minting commemorative $1 coins for America&rsquo...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August and 2 September.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
President Donald Trump is leaving more than a paper trail from his time in office. The U.S. is now minting commemorative $1 coins for America’s 250th anniversary, featuring a portrait of the sitting president.
U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will visit Russia then Ukraine over the weekend, Russian state news agency TASS has reported, citing an unnamed source. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has also said American envoys will visit the capitals of both countries.
Pacific Island leaders expressed concern about China's Pacific missile test at their annual summit, though Nauru formally dissented, in a meeting largely overshadowed by Beijing's objections to Taiwan's presence.
China’s southern coastal provinces of Fujian and Guangdong are bracing for more torrential rain after Typhoon Saudel triggered widespread flooding, swept away vehicles and caused a three-storey building to collapse.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of September, covering the latest developments.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment