Statement of the National Convention on the European Union Regarding the Latest Attacks on Civil Society

The National Convention on the European Union strongly condemns the latest campaign directed against the Belgrade Centre for Security Policy (BCSP), one of the founders of the Convention and the coordinator of the Working Group for Chapter 24. The campaign is being carried out in a coordinated manner by pro-government tabloids and television stations, with the participation of the Minister for European Integration in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, Nemanja Starović.

This involves a tendentious manipulation of information concerning a public event organized during the Munich Security Conference, one of the most significant international security forums, attended by Minister Starović and the President of the Republic of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić. During the Conference, hundreds of closed meetings, roundtables and side events are held, organized by governments, international organizations and research institutions. Such practice represents a standard working format at all relevant international forums and cannot in any way be characterized as “secret diplomacy”.

Engaging in discussions about Serbia with international partners does not constitute an attack on Serbia. On the contrary, the participation of the expert community in such discussions ensures that voices from Serbia are heard in international debates that are conducted daily on the region, European integration and security policy.

We do not consider this campaign an isolated incident, but rather part of a broader trend aimed at delegitimizing and sidelining civil society organizations that critically analyse public policies from the European integration process. Instead of an evidence-based debate, we are witnessing attempts at discreditation. Particularly concerning is the message that state authorities should be the only legitimate interlocutors of the European Union, as European integration implies an inclusive process involving institutions, civil society, the expert community and the media.

We note that this narrative about civil society is being presented on the same day that the Head of the Operational Team for European Integration, Danijel Apostolović, invited the National Convention to engage in dialogue on Serbia’s further obligations in the European Union accession process. Such contradiction further confirms the need for a clear and consistent approach toward the role of civil society in the European process.

The role of civil society in the European Union accession process is not a political privilege, but a democratic standard. This has been emphasized on several occasions by high representatives of the European Union, including Ursula von der Leyen and Marta Kos, who have stressed that civil society organizations are essential for safeguarding the rule of law, transparency and institutional accountability.

The National Convention on the European Union remains committed to constructive dialogue, advancing reforms, and strengthening democratic standards in the Republic of Serbia. Openness, dialogue and the participation of diverse social actors represent a strength, not a weakness, of Serbia’s European path.