Unraveling the OutbreakWhy has aggression erupted in Serbia, and what lays ahead?
In the heart of southeastern Europe, Serbia has been gripped by unrest for the past nine months, with demonstrators taking to the streets demanding elections, anti-corruption reforms, and recognition of student bodies[1]. The recent escalation of violence, which has left at least 50 people injured, has intensified the crisis[1].
Tatyana Kekic, a correspondent covering Serbia for bne IntelliNews, and Mirko Dautovic, an international affairs commentator for Balkan media, recently discussed the ongoing violence in Serbia. However, they did not elaborate on the specific parties involved in the violence or the cause of the flare-up[1].
The protests, fueled by deep-seated grievances such as limits on media freedom, centralized political power, alleged electoral manipulation, and frustration with President Vučić’s government, have seen clashes between protesters and government supporters across several cities[1][3]. Observers report that confrontations often arise from provocations by government supporters and police allegedly siding with the ruling party[3].
The media freedom crisis in Serbia has worsened, with over 230 attacks on journalists recorded in 2025 alone[2][4]. Journalists covering the unrest face physical assaults and death threats.
The guests did not discuss the demands of the anticorruption demonstrators in Serbia, but it is clear that the persistence of unresolved demands such as anti-corruption efforts and electoral reforms suggests sustained protest activity and political instability in the near term[1][3].
As for expected future developments, prolonged unrest risks inspiring opposition movements throughout the Balkans, further deteriorating Serbia-Kosovo relations, undermining Serbia’s EU accession prospects, and increasing regional security and migration concerns, prompting EU and neighboring countries’ attention[1].
Internationally, Russia is unlikely to intervene, while China prioritizes stability to protect its investments, and the EU remains wary of potential spillovers related to security and migration[1].
The situation in Serbia remains volatile, with warnings that violence could escalate if police abuses and government crackdowns on peaceful protests continue[4]. It is not clear what will happen next in the situation, according to the guests.
[1] Kekic, T. (2025). Serbia: Political Crisis Intensifies as Protests Turn Violent. bne IntelliNews. [2] Reporters Without Borders. (2025). Serbia: Journalists Under Attack. [3] Dautovic, M. (2025). Serbia's Political Crisis: A Deep Dive. Balkan Insight. [4] Bieber, F. (2025). Serbia's Political Crisis: A Turning Point or a New Beginning? Graz University.
The ongoing violence in Serbia has led Tatyana Kekic and Mirko Dautovic, both respected journalists, to discuss the crisis, yet they refrained from detailing the specific instigators of the violence or its root cause [1]. The volatile situation in Serbia, marred by unrest, troublesome relations with Kosovo, and worsening media freedom, could potentially spark opposition movements throughout the Balkans, jeopardizing Serbia's EU accession prospects and increasing regional security concerns [1].
