European Commission and higher education organisations condemn police raid at University of Belgrade

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and several European higher education organisations and representatives have condemned a police raid at the Serbian University of Belgrade and demanded meaningful dialogue between universities and the government.

Kos met with the University of Belgrade's rector, Vladan Đokić, on 20/04/2026, and highlighted his "commitment to defending the autonomy and dignity of the university".

The Criminal Police Directorate of the Serbian Ministry of Interior searched the premises of the rectorate of the University of Belgrade on 31/03, prompting protests from students and citizens, as Đokić pledged full cooperation with the investigation and claimed the raid came without prior announcement and clear legal justification.

The search, during which documents and computers were seized, came after the body of a student was found on campus grounds on 26/03. The university has been at the centre of protests against the ruling Serbian Progressive Party and the government has tried to link the death to the demonstrations.

Koss also warned that the EU was…