Serbia continues to face deep socio-political challenges that hinder its European Union accession process. The separation of powers has effectively collapsed, with the executive branch exerting disproportionate influence over the police and judiciary. The President and senior officials frequently act beyond their constitutional competences, undermining the rule of law and endangering criminal proceedings. Although constitutional guarantees of free expression exist, in practice they are severely undermined. Minority and vulnerable groups remain marginalized, while economic progress is presented more as illusion than reality, benefiting wealthy elites tied to those in power.
Human rights and media freedoms are in decline, marked by systemic violence in public discourse and attacks on journalists. Serbia is rated a “partly free” country (65/100), with growing self-censorship among journalists and increased pressure on independent media. International organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House highlight a continued deterioration of media freedom, lack of transparency in ownership and financing, and regulatory failures, particularly regarding the independence of the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Media (REM). Disinformation from pro-government media and unresolved regulatory issues, such as the unallocated fifth national broadcasting frequency, further erode trust in the media environment.
The collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy in November 2024, which caused 16 deaths, triggered widespread protests by students and citizens against corruption, impunity, and government irresponsibility. These demonstrations revealed both the extent of institutional abuses and the violent narrative employed by officials to discredit dissent. Students, supported by journalists, became central to exposing corruption and demanding accountability, often stepping into roles traditionally held by free media. Independent journalists and outlets provided vital coverage of the protests, ensuring citizens had access to accurate information despite systematic state efforts to silence them.