Serbia - December 2024

On 16 December, Amnesty International reported that Serbian authorities used advanced spyware alongside other digital tools to hack the phones of activists and journalists. The report documented the use of NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware, alongside NoviSpy spyware system, and the misuse of Cellebrite’s UFED mobile forensics tools, which Serbia received in 2019 as part of its EU integration efforts. Serbia's intelligence agency (BIA) rejected the claims and said it works “in accordance with the laws". Legal experts said that Serbian law provides no legal basis for the BIA's use of spyware. Journalists and civil society groups, which have faced ongoing crackdowns, described this as an attack on civil society, press freedom, privacy, freedom of expression, and association. Amnesty International reported spyware use in the country in 2023, without confirming government involvement. Serbia ranked among Europe's top countries for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation in 2023.

Sources: Amnesty International (1), Amnesty International (2), Balkan Insight (1), Balkan Insight (2), Security Information Agency, Article 19, International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2), International IDEA (3)

On 29 November, the Draft Law on a Special Register of Foreign Influence Agents was submitted to Parliament by members of the Movement of Socialists, a ruling coalition member led by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandar Vulin. Local media reported that the legislation "quietly entered parliamentary procedure" without the usual announcements. The proposed law mandates organizations receiving over 50 per cent foreign funding to register as "foreign agents," with harsh penalties for non-compliance. Supporters claim it promotes transparency, arguing some foreign-funded NGOs oppose Serbia's national interests. Critics warn the legislation threatens freedom of expression and civil society and their operations. The European Economic and Social Committee—an EU consultative body—said the legislation is “incompatible with the fundamental values” of the EU and jeopardises democratic values, human rights, and European integration of Serbia. The draft law has been compared to recent legislation in Georgia, Hungary, and Russia. As a next step, the law will go through regular parliamentary review.

Sources: Narodna skupština Republike Srbije, Nedeljne informativne novine (NIN), Center for Research, Transparency and Accountability (CRTA), Pokret Socijalista, European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, International IDEA