The collapse of the concrete canopy of Novi Sad’s main railway station in Serbia became the focus of a recent #DemocracyDrinks discussion in The Hague. Not only did the tragedy raise deeper concerns around corruption and accountability, but most importantly it also sparked a deep sense of resistance and collective desire to be heard and cared for.
“I did not know who I was for weeks. I could have been there, anybody could have” – Olga Pantic
On November 1st, 2024, a large concrete canopy at the Novi Sad station entrance suddenly collapsed onto people, killing 16 and injuring many more. The station had just undergone a major renovation, and the disaster quickly raised questions on construction quality, oversight, and possible corruption.
In the aftermath, investigations and arrests followed, but the slow legal process and unclear accountability triggered mass protests across Serbia, turning the event into a symbol of broader public outrage over governance and infrastructure safety.
Key Insights
- Fear can rapidly transform into a collective political force when trust in institutions is already weak, as seen in the aftermath of the Novi Sad tragedy.
- Universities have become a central battleground in Serbia’s democratic struggle, with students and academics facing increasing pressure while remaining highly organised and determined to resist.
- Challenging the “core” of the system requires building credible political alternatives.
On Serbian institutions
“Everything is political. We realized that our elections were stolen because our voice did not matter.” – Olga Pantic
What began as a demand for accountability and justice for the victims of the Novi Sad tragedy, evolved into a broader critique of institutional failure. Many came to see the tragedy not as an isolated accident, but as a symptom of systemic corruption, weak oversight, and captured state structures.
As Olga suggested, everything became political: the collapse exposed how public safety, governance, and democratic representation are deeply intertwined. For many, it reinforced the belief that their voices had long been ignored or manipulated, particularly in the context of disputed elections and lack of transparency.
What is currently happening at universities?
“We are targeted because we are organized” – Olga Pantic
Universities have become central arenas of resistance, which is precisely why they are increasingly targeted. Students, at the forefront of organizing protests after the Novi Sad collapse, are now coordinated and influential actors. In response, authorities attempt to undermine these spaces by cutting programs, discrediting faculties, promoting state-aligned institutions, and pressuring or dismissing critical professors.
Participation in protests can bring personal consequences, from administrative harassment to limited career prospects. Yet despite this pressure, universities remain key sites of dissent, where students continue to mobilize, share knowledge, and sustain momentum.
The emergence of alternative spaces
“It is beautiful to see that there is self-organising in daily life. We need to keep acting, not just talking about it” – Milos Janjic
The protests and their repression have also sparked the creation of alternative spaces for learning, organizing, and community-building. There is something powerful in the way people have begun to self-organize in everyday life outside formal institutions that are increasingly controlled or constrained.
These spaces foster political education, mutual support, and a renewed sense of collective identity. Citizens, especially younger generations, are becoming more aware of their role in society as well as more willing to participate actively. This shift reflects not only resistance, but also a constructive effort to reimagine civic engagement and democracy from the ground up.
Elections
There is a growing recognition that protests alone may not be enough to produce lasting change. While street mobilization has been crucial in raising awareness after the Novi Sad tragedy, attention is increasingly turning toward structural transformation through elections. Activists argue that the “core” of the system must be challenged by building credible political alternatives.
This includes educating themselves about political processes, formulating clear demands for fair elections, and identifying experts or trusted figures who could lead new initiatives. The aim is not just to oppose the current system, but to offer a viable and competent alternative to it.
Role of the EU and the Netherlands
International actors, including the European Union and countries like the Netherlands, play a complex role. On one hand, Serbia’s position within Europe raises expectations of democratic standards; on the other, many feel that external responses have been insufficient.
There is a call for stronger, more active involvement, particularly through rigorous monitoring of electoral processes and a physical presence to ensure fairness and transparency. At the same time, as Milos suggests, international actors must navigate cooperation with the Serbian government carefully, balancing engagement with pressure.
Why does this matter?
The discussion highlighted that democratic backsliding, institutional capture, and pressure on civil society are not abstract or distant issues. They are unfolding within Europe itself and have direct implications for the future of democratic governance, civic space, and the rule of law.
As the International City of Peace and Justice, The Hague plays an important role in creating space for these conversations, connecting practitioners and communities, and strengthening dialogue around democracy and rule of law challenges. One example is the Humanity Hub’s Democracy and Rule of Law Collective, which brings together professionals and organisations to exchange ideas, share insights, and explore opportunities for collaboration.
About Democracy Drinks The Hague
Democracy Drinks The Hague is a regular event series that brings together professionals, researchers, policymakers, and civil society actors to discuss pressing issues related to democracy and the rule of law.
The series is coordinated by the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD), the Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC), and The Hague Humanity Hub, and regularly partners with organisations across the peace, justice, and democracy ecosystem.
The April 30 edition on Elections, Legitimacy and Protests in Serbia was organised in collaboration with The Serbian Diaspora in The Netherlands.
Do you want to take action to defend democracy at home and abroad? Host a #DemocracyDrinks edition! Learn more about the Democracy and Rule of Law Collective