Strengthening the civil society’s resilience in Serbia
Despite growing authoritarianism and a shrinking civic space in Serbia, civil society has demonstrated remarkable resilience through grassroots environmental movements, student protests, and citizens’ assemblies. These forms of activism have expanded locally and transnationally, mobilizing citizens, especially the youth, to demand accountability and democratic reforms.
September 27, 2025 -
Sofija Popović
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Hot TopicsIssue 5 2025Magazine
One of the most important forms of civic resistance and activism in Serbia beyond environmentalism has been student protests. In recent months, students have become key drivers in the struggle for academic freedom, justice, transparency and government accountability.
Photo: Dragan Mujan / Shutterstock
Over the past decade, civil society in Serbia has undergone profound transformations, navigating an increasingly complex political and social landscape. While the early 2000s, following the fall of Slobodan Milošević’s regime, witnessed a surge in civic activism, the last ten years have been characterized by mounting challenges – political pressure, shrinking civic space, and limited access to decision-making processes. Civil society organizations have encountered numerous institutional obstacles, including burdensome legal frameworks, selective cooperation with the government, and financial constraints, especially when engaging in activities perceived as critical of the ruling authorities.
Yet, despite these setbacks, Serbia’s civil society has shown remarkable resilience. Grassroots initiatives, informal activist networks, and student movements have played a vital role in sustaining civic engagement. Notably, student-led protests have brought renewed urgency and visibility to critical issues such as academic freedom, political accountability, and corruption. These movements have mobilized large segments of the youth and fostered intergenerational solidarity within civil society.
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