Last night’s attack on students in Novi Sad represents a completely new phase in the horrifying violence that the Serbian Progressive Party has been generating since the beginning of the protests over the murder of 15 people in Novi Sad. Although it has been clear from the very start that the Serbian Progressive Party and Aleksandar Vučić personally are the ones inciting violence, inspiring it, and encouraging those who attack students, this time is different – last night, the attackers came directly from the premises of the Serbian Progressive Party. They strangled students, chased them with cars intending to run them over, found another group of students, beat them, and kicked and punched a girl in the head after she fell.
There are no more excuses – neither the claim that they are “ordinary citizens fed up with the blockades” nor that the president will choose his words more carefully if someone misunderstood and thought he gave permission to attack students. This time, it is clearer than ever that those who trample, beat, attack, strangle, and attempt to kill citizens on the streets are in the service of the Serbian Progressive Party, whose leader is Aleksandar Vučić.
No calls for dialogue, de-escalation, supposed condemnation, or outrage from regime representatives – from Aleksandar Vučić to the mayor of Novi Sad – can be considered valid. These are merely reflections of hypocrisy, political shamelessness, and yet another act of humiliation and disdain towards citizens.
It is clearer than ever: the Serbian Progressive Party is organizing attacks on the citizens of Serbia and must be held accountable for it. The moment Serbian institutions begin to perform their duties, this party must be banned. Aleksandar Vučić must face justice for all the violence that has resulted from his words.
Dr. Aleksandra Jerkov Member of the Executive Board,
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development strongly condemns the escalation of violence in our society, the most recent example being the attack on conductor Ana Zorana Brajović following the performance of the opera “Cinderella” at the National Theatre, during which she expressed solidarity with students, high schoolers, and all citizens demanding accountability for the tragic loss of 15 lives in Novi Sad. This brutal act is merely part of a broader picture of violence and intolerance deliberately and systematically fueled by the authorities in our society.
The President of the Republic of Serbia recently openly encouraged his supporters to physically confront protesting citizens. The Minister of Interior recently threatened citizens and announced even greater use of physical force, while police brutality during crackdowns leaves citizens with lasting consequences. Such calls from the highest levels of government, combined with the failure of relevant institutions to respond, legitimize violence and directly endanger the safety of any individual who dares to voice dissent against the ruling policies.
We also recall the recent attacks on opposition politicians, including Dragan Đilas, the months-long targeting of students engaged in peaceful protests, and the daily dissemination of hate speech and intolerance through regime-controlled media. These actions are not only dangerous—they aim to suppress all critical thinking and calls for accountability.
We urge the relevant institutions to act immediately, identify and punish the perpetrators of all these acts of violence. We also demand that the President of the Republic and other government officials cease inciting citizens against one another and take responsibility for the lynch mob atmosphere they have created.
The Regional Academy for Democratic Development warns that a society that normalizes violence and hate speech is headed toward the complete collapse of democratic values and the rule of law. We will not remain silent in the face of this evident attempt to suppress citizens’ rights to free thought and peaceful protest through fear and violence.
Dr. Aleksandra Jerkov Regional Academy for Democratic Development
Historian Milivoj Bešlin stated at the panel discussion marking the tenth anniversary of the death of Vojvodinian historian Prof. Dr. Ranko Končar that the ongoing civic and student protests in Novi Sad and Vojvodina signal both political and, more importantly, societal subjectivization of Vojvodina.
“Novi Sad and Vojvodina are leading the protests, setting the trends. To me, this truly resembles a Vojvodinian spring in November,” said Bešlin at the event titled “Does Vojvodina Have the Strength for Autonomy?” The panel was organized to honor the legacy of Ranko Končar (1938-2014).
Bešlin emphasized that Vojvodina must fight for its autonomous status within Serbia with its own strength. “For the first time in decades, we see a protest movement in Vojvodina that distinguishes it from other parts of Serbia, indicating that this is about more than just one tragedy—more than the murder of 15 people due to crony corruption under the current regime,” he said.
He added that the fall of Aleksandar Vučić’s ultranationalist and mafia-like regime would inevitably lead to questioning all the core principles of Serbia’s centralized and nationalist system, including the issue of Vojvodina’s autonomy.
Branka Dragović, Editor-in-Chief of the Autonomija portal, described today’s protests as a boomerang effect of the “Yogurt Revolution” of 1988, when Slobodan Milošević’s regime dismantled Vojvodina’s autonomy by destroying its institutions.
“Protests today are a boomerang for the Yogurt Revolution. People are now demanding the return of institutions and regulations—essentially, the restoration of what was destroyed during the Yogurt Revolution,” Dragović said.
She argued that Serbia’s centralized governance model is a constant and that there is a political consensus against Vojvodina’s autonomy in the country. “Serbia operates as a single electoral district, which is unheard of in Europe. Vojvodina must be a distinct electoral district to have political representation. It is impossible to create a regional political scene under the current political system,” she said.
Sonja Biserko, President of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, stated that the mass protests across Serbia have shattered the culture of fear among citizens and opened up possibilities for new politics.
“I believe we are witnessing the end of an era and a political system that has caused misery for the entire region and Serbia itself,” Biserko said, adding that Novi Sad and other cities in Vojvodina have finally found their voice in these protests.
Whether this will lead to greater demands for Vojvodina’s autonomy remains to be seen, she noted. Biserko also pointed out that, according to the latest census, Serbs account for 65% of Vojvodina’s population—far below the expectations of nationalists.
“Despite ethnic engineering, Vojvodina has managed to preserve its identity,” she observed, adding that the 2006 Constitution entrenched centralization in Serbia, making Vojvodina the biggest loser among all former Yugoslav regions.
“Vojvodina has always been treated as war spoils, a view perpetuated by Serbian nationalists, led by Dobrica Ćosić,” Biserko concluded.
Aleksandra Jerkov from the Regional Academy for Democratic Development stated that Vojvodina is the epicenter of political events and the starting point for change, serving as a role model for other regions in Serbia.
She argued that Vojvodina’s autonomy has never been welcomed in Serbia. “The attitudes toward war crimes and reconciliation, women’s human rights, and Vojvodina’s autonomy are three areas where there is a consensus within the so-called Belgrade political elite,” Jerkov said.
The event also included the promotion of Ranko Končar’s posthumously published book, “Through Historical Thought to Understanding the Past and Present,” edited by Milivoj Bešlin.
Tuesday, December 10th, at 6 PM, at the NDNV premises in Novi Sad
The Vojvodina Club, the Regional Academy for Democratic Development, the Independent Journalists’ Association of Vojvodina, and the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia invite you to a panel dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the passing of Vojvodinian historian Prof. Dr. Ranko Končar. During the event, his posthumously published book, “Through Historical Thought to Understanding the Past and Present,” edited by historian Dr. Milivoj Bešlin, will be presented. Copies of the book will be distributed to attendees following the discussion.
The panel will take place on Tuesday, December 10th, at 6 PM, at the NDNV premises in Novi Sad (Spens, Sutjeska 2, Entrance 8, near the Court).
The speakers include:
Historian Dr. Milivoj Bešlin
President of the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights in Serbia, Sonja Biserko
Dr. Aleksandra Jerkov from the Regional Academy for Democratic Development
Journalist Branka Dragović Savić
The discussion will be moderated by NDNV’s Program Director and University Professor, Dr. Dinko Gruhonjić.
Ranko Končar’s research focused on the contemporary history of Vojvodina and its autonomy. His public engagement was marked by criticism of nationalist tendencies and historical revisionism, as well as the defense of antifascist values and Vojvodina’s autonomy.
“It is certain that the struggle for Vojvodina’s autonomy will not politically atrophy. Due to its specific national structure and historical foundations, it will evolve as an element of Serbia’s democratization and Europeanization.”
Does this quote by Professor Končar, taken from a 2008 interview, sound utopian today? Does Vojvodina have the strength for autonomy? And does Serbia even want democracy?
The project, implemented by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (Serbia) and the Network for Progressive Initiatives (Bosnia and Herzegovina), with the generous support of the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation (Finland), aimed to facilitate the just transition of coal mine workers in Lazarevac (Serbia) and Tuzla (Bosnia and Herzegovina) toward sustainable employment in green industries. Over the reporting period, a series of impactful activities were carried out to empower workers, engage stakeholders, and provide a foundation for this transformative shift.
To understand the needs and readiness of coal mine workers, comprehensive surveys were conducted in both cities. These surveys revealed valuable insights into the current skills, interests, and expectations of workers regarding requalification and their transition to sustainable industries. This information served as a cornerstone for the project’s activities, ensuring that all measures were tailored to the workers’ needs.
Building on these findings, round table discussions were organized in Lazarevac and Tuzla, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including workers, trade union representatives, community members, and employers. These discussions created a platform for open dialogue, addressing the challenges of the transition process while fostering mutual understanding and collaboration among participants.
One of the most significant outcomes of the project was the development of a comprehensive model for a just transition. This model provides clear recommendations for requalification pathways and outlines the resources required to support coal mine workers as they move into green industries. The model was introduced during an online round table, where workers from both cities were informed about potential opportunities and had their concerns addressed in a dedicated question-and-answer session.
To ensure broader public engagement, the project also included a media campaign that highlighted its objectives and progress. This campaign played a crucial role in raising awareness within the community and securing support from decision-makers for the transition process.
By addressing the specific needs of workers and fostering a collaborative approach, the project has set a foundation for a sustainable and inclusive transition to green industries in the region.
Regional Academy for Democratic Development from Novi Sad expresses deep concern over the violence and incidents during last night’s protests in our city, as well as the way security services treated protest participants and organizers.
We are especially alarmed by information suggesting that groups of hooligans, who openly instigated unrest and destroyed property under the watchful eye of the police who did not intervene, were left unpunished. It is completely unacceptable for the police to use violent individuals as a pretext for repressive measures against protest organizers, participants, opposition politicians, and civic activists. Not only is this approach unacceptable and illegal, but it also creates an atmosphere of fear and insecurity among citizens.
We demand the immediate release of all activists and citizens detained, without extending detention, allowing them the right to defend themselves freely. We demand the prompt release of Novi Sad City Assembly councilor Miša Bačulov and former Vice President of the Vojvodina Government, Goran Ješić. We also call for the proper prosecution and sanctioning of police officers who, while dressed in civilian clothing, arrested citizens without proper identification and procedural adherence, as well as all individuals who participated illegally in detaining citizens.
The regional Academy for Democratic Development firmly believes that transparency in police work and the respect of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly are the foundation of a democratic society. We call on the competent institutions to investigate these events and respond to the questions that have arisen in this context.
Regional Academy for Democratic Development Novi Sad
The Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans aims to provide a comprehensive review of youth-related public policy documents from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia such as strategies, action plans, and laws.
The Analysis is focused on three key areas identified as particularly relevant to youth in the WB context:
Socio-economic field: employment, education, and sexual and reproductive health of youth
Youth participation: civic and political engagement, social inclusion, and the involvement of youth in decision-making processes
Media, culture and the digital world: youth media and digital literacy, critical thinking, youth participation in creating inclusive cultural policies
By integrating youth perspectives into all stages of policy development and implementation, the Analysis aims to ensure that youth voices are not just heard but are central to shaping the future of the region. This document formulated actionable recommendations intended for discussion among policy makers, CSOs, national youth councils, youth organizations, political party youth forums, and experts during the policy lab dialogue sessions. The policy labs aim to improve the dialogue between young people and representatives of institutions, contribute to strengthening the engagement of young people in political, social, and economic processes and cultural life, and jointly discuss the recommendations for improving public policies relevant to young people in the region.
We have to join our efforts and try to find a solution to motivate young people to participate in political and social processes and to improve the framework that enables them to do so!
The Comparative Analysis of Youth Policies in the Western Balkans was conducted within the framework of the Regional Youth Dialogue for Europe (RYDE) project funded by the European Union and led by the Center for Democracy Foundation from Serbia, in collaboration with partnering civil society organizations from across the Western Balkans: the Academy of European Integrations and Negotiations (Albania), Youth Act Center (Albania), Kosovar Stability Initiative (Kosovo*1), Network of Progressive Initiatives (Bosnia and Herzegovina), NGO Info Center Foundation (North Macedonia), and the Regional Academy for Democratic Development (Serbia).
The Regional Academy for Democracy Development (ADD) and the Network of Progressive Initiatives (MPI) are successfully implementing the project “Development of a Just Transition Model for Coal Workers in Lazarevac and Tuzla,” supported by the Kalevi Sorsa Foundation from Finland and the Progress Institute from North Macedonia. The project aimed to assist workers from the mines in these two cities in transitioning to green industries and jobs, while maintaining the economic and social stability of communities reliant on the mining industry.
Conducted from May to November 2024, the project included research among employees in the two mines, providing insights into workers’ views on retraining, and a series of roundtables with workers, unions, local government representatives, and community stakeholders. During workshops and webinars, workers were informed about retraining opportunities and available resources. The public will be presented with a just transition model, offering a roadmap for the gradual transition of workers into green industries.
The anticipated outcomes are set to provide coal industry workers with a sense of security as they prepare for the planned reduction in coal production between 2030 and 2050, mandated by the Paris Agreement signed by the Republic of Serbia. Trust in institutions, including the Serbian government, relevant ministries, and local authorities, particularly the City of Belgrade, is essential, alongside an increased awareness among workers and communities of both the challenges and benefits associated with just transition models and the creation of green jobs.
The project also supported the capacity building of all participants involved, including workers, national and local governments, unions, employers, the civil sector, and local communities, to facilitate an effective transition. Collaboration with experts in economic and just transition, unions, and the green energy sector laid the foundation for creating educational programs that will improve workers’ employability in emerging industries.
The success of this project significantly contributes to the fight for social justice, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable growth through a fair and inclusive approach to energy transition.
Organized by the Regional Academy for Democratic Development and supported by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, the “Only YES Means YES” conference was held on October 15 and 16. The event focused on an initiative to amend the legal definition of rape in Western Balkan countries so that any sexual act without consent is defined as rape.
Project coordinators Mija Javornik and Aleksandra Jerkov stated that both regional cooperation and collaboration among various parties, the NGO sector, and institutions are crucial for the success of this initiative. They agreed that the path to adopting these legal amendments will not be simple or quick, but examples from the region show that, through joint efforts, laws can be changed to ensure that victims of sexual violence have guaranteed access to justice.
The second panel, dedicated to the cooperation between the NGO sector, political parties, and institutions in the decision-making process, featured speakers Daliborka Uljarević, Executive Director of the Center for Civic Education; Biljana Stepanov from the Women’s Support Center in Serbia; Jovana Trenčevska, Member of Parliament in North Macedonia and former Minister of Social Protection; and Gentiana Shushaj, Director of ESD in Albania.
Daliborka Uljarević stated that it is difficult to expect a higher level of public awareness and mobilization to protect women from violence when even those expected to be the most progressive often downplay such incidents. She cited as an example the recent decision of the Ethics Committee at the University of Montenegro, which accepted a sexist approach by Professor Aleksandar Stamatović. Uljarević emphasized that, although there is a solid legal framework, in practice, we encounter so-called “hibernating laws”—laws that are passed quickly but have many flaws, with broad acknowledgment that much improvement is needed. She concluded that only a small number of parliamentarians address this issue, and that regional cooperation and experience-sharing are crucial for progress.
Uljarević also observed that academia, where progressive views might be expected, is often no exception, as some professors engage in sexism, and society fails to condemn it. She highlighted that it is especially disheartening that many women working in universities must operate in such environments. Finally, she stressed that civil society has a responsibility to change these contexts, commending the handbook developed from this program as a valuable tool for further efforts.
Biljana Stepanov highlighted that Serbia ratified the Istanbul Convention in 2013 solely due to the efforts and lobbying of non-governmental organizations. She emphasized that 2014 and 2015 were critical years for amending the Criminal Code, but the democratic potential for changing the legal definition of rape was not utilized then, making the task ten times harder today. According to her, it is unacceptable to discuss the definition of rape without considering the message being conveyed.
Stepanov pointed out that the GREVIO Committee has raised concerns about hate speech and discrimination, adding that Serbia should address this by revising or reformulating other parts of the Criminal Code. She explained that NGOs have repeatedly attempted to amend the law and submitted requests, most recently two months ago, when they called for a new study. She also highlighted issues with Serbia’s three different definitions of family, leading to varying statuses depending on the legal process. Stepanov called for legislative alignment, noting that the Criminal Code does not recognize all family members the same way as the Family Law, which offers the most comprehensive definition.
She pointed out that the Ministry of Justice’s working group has just completed amendments to the Criminal Code, creating an opportunity for political actors and experts to reevaluate and initiate further changes. Stepanov reminded that the CEDAW Committee issued several recommendations to Serbia in 2018, which remain unaddressed, as do similar recommendations from GREVIO in the same year. She added that Serbia still lacks an action plan for combating violence against women and a centralized data system to monitor progress. Despite having 17 different criminal offenses related to violence, public attention remains solely focused on domestic violence, while other offenses go unmentioned.
She also noted that the state has yet to submit a report to the GREVIO Committee, despite efforts by NGOs to increase pressure on the government. Stepanov concluded that mechanisms of sexual violence are evolving, and society must change its approach—the burden should be on the perpetrator to prove their innocence, rather than the victim to prove their suffering. The law must recognize and support victims, and NGOs should be key partners in this process. Stepanov also highlighted that Serbia can learn from Croatia’s model, where the state has taken responsibility for funding support for victims of sexual violence, and she mentioned that an analysis of judicial practices is currently being completed to provide insights into the extent of rape and other forms of violence. She emphasized that the role of parliamentarians is crucial, yet NGOs are insufficiently involved in the legislative process because MPs may not know who to consult. Connecting social actors is essential to ensure that laws are not only adopted but also effectively implemented.
Jovana Trenčevska, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Labor and Social Policy in North Macedonia, highlighted her experience in the executive branch and political party, as well as the work of NGOs that have systematically begun to address gender equality. According to her, the key questions are whether the government has the vision and capacity to coordinate changes and whether it involves all relevant stakeholders or only select ones. Trenčevska noted that when SDSM was in power, North Macedonia prioritized the status of women and gender equality. Although the Istanbul Convention was signed in 2011, it was not ratified until 2017, and she emphasized that this document challenges societal stereotypes, making consensus on necessary changes harder to achieve. Currently, a new Criminal Code is in the process of being adopted, and Trenčevska believes that, by 2025, through joint work with civil society, the necessary legislative changes will be implemented. She particularly emphasized the role of NGOs and experts in this process. In her view, a broad civil society network in the country is essential, as is having gender equality services funded by the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy. She also stressed the importance of seeking consensus and involving all political parties in the gender equality process, expressing hope that progressive forces in parliament will not allow any regression in this area.
Gentiana Susaj, Director of ESD Albania and Head of ESD Europe, began her presentation with an interactive exercise. She emphasized that this approach is essential when we aim to adopt new behaviors and learning concepts, as it’s important to integrate them into everyday practice. She highlighted five key principles: think, shout, fight, run, and tell, to shift mindsets and promote a safer society. During the exercise, she asked participants to observe the room around them and consider whether they noticed something they hadn’t before. She underscored the importance of being aware of “red flags” and taking action when we notice potential danger. Susaj discussed the significance of assertiveness, setting boundaries, and using one’s voice to protect oneself and create safe environments. One of the essential principles, according to her, is “to tell”—meaning that it’s always possible to confide in someone. She stressed the importance of listening to victims without judgment and creating safe spaces. Susaj pointed out that 95% of girls freeze when faced with danger, making it crucial to know what to do in such situations. Educating bystanders and authorities, she noted, is key to building safer communities. In Albania, ESD collaborates with schools through a pilot program, and a regulatory act is currently implemented in 60 schools. They have trained teachers and conducted trainer workshops, aiming to make the program national and available in other countries, including partnerships with shelters.
In Podgorica today, the Regional Academy for Democratic Development, with support from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, is hosting the “Only YES Means YES” conference. This event is dedicated to the initiative aimed at amending the legal definition of rape in Western Balkan countries so that any sexual act without consent is defined as rape.
At today’s first panel, speakers included Andreja Katič, Minister of Justice of Slovenia; Oliver Spasovski, former three-term Minister of Police of North Macedonia; Jelena Čelebić Pekić, Vice President of the Sarajevo Canton; Zoja Bojanić Lalović, Member of Parliament in Montenegro; Yasmin Qureshi, Member of the UK Parliament and Chair of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy Board; Slavica Radovanović, Member of the National Assembly of Serbia; Silva Çaka, Member of Parliament in Albania; and Fatmire Kolçaku, Member of Parliament in Kosovo. The panel was moderated by Mija Javornik, project coordinator.
Minister Andreja Katič stated that sexual offenses represent one of the most severe forms of gender-based violence. She shared that, as with any significant social shift, the conversation on this topic in Slovenia was spurred by a highly publicized case, and the journey toward legislative change was a long one. Katič emphasized that, from the beginning of her tenure, she advocated for “Only YES Means YES” as a legal standard, stressing that this initiative is not solely about redefining criminal acts but also about driving societal change. Some critiques during the legislative process suggested that the law would lead to an increase in false accusations, interfere with sexual privacy, and many experts and political voices initially argued that changes were unnecessary. She expressed particular concern about judicial practices where courts focused on assessing the level of resistance by the victim or the force applied by the perpetrator, noting the extraordinary mitigating circumstances courts considered and the alarming number of suspended sentences issued.
Minister Katič highlighted that although she was unable to implement the law during her first term, the subsequent government succeeded in introducing the “Only YES Means YES” standard, thanks to groundwork laid by the Ministry of Justice and pressure from international and non-governmental organizations, as well as cross-party coalitions. She concluded by emphasizing that changing the law alone is insufficient; there must be a broader societal shift in attitudes toward rape and gender-based violence.
Oliver Spasovski, former three-term Minister of Police of North Macedonia, noted that violence remains a topic not widely discussed, as people tend to overlook what happens to others. He shared that research indicates that until a few years ago, most women perceived such issues as private matters best kept out of the public eye, with a prevailing sense that institutions could not offer help. However, he highlighted that a shift has occurred, thanks to the cooperation between institutions, the NGO sector, and cross-party collaboration. Spasovski emphasized that while the police play a crucial role in this process, they are not the only body that must respond, and police capacity has significantly increased in recent years.
He concluded by pointing out that there are always groups who believe the work on this issue is complete and call for halting the implementation of the Istanbul Convention. These forces, growing throughout the region, are the same ones fueling nationalism. He stressed the collective responsibility to raise public awareness and encourage every person who has experienced or witnessed violence to report it. Spasovski also underscored the importance of education in this process.
Zoja Bojanić Lalović warned that violence is on the rise in Montenegro, extending beyond gender-based violence to a normalization of violence as a common way of communicating and functioning. She added that women in Montenegro are not equal in any segment of society, and while political parties nominally support gender equality, they do little to advance it in practice. She pointed to a recent decision by the appellate court to reduce the sentence of a rapist convicted of assaulting a minor from 15 to 8 years, a ruling that has burdened Montenegrin society and united both the NGO sector and political parties in protest. However, the appellate court rejected these concerns, explaining that the sentence falls within the legally prescribed range. Ms. Bojanić Lalović expressed concern over the lack of adequate legal protection for children, noting that sentences are often at the minimum required by law, penal policies are weak, processes are lengthy, and these issues provide little confidence to victims.
Jelena Čelebić Pekić stated that the conference centers around issues that affect everyone, and that the role of political parties and individuals within them is to be active participants in all societal changes. She emphasized that politicians are elected to amend laws and procedures, but also to raise awareness and fight violence on all fronts. She noted the importance of support from professionals, NGOs, and broad collaboration to bring about these changes. Čelebić Pekić added that politicians in our societies often lack public trust, making broader social cooperation essential. She highlighted that Bosnia and Herzegovina, after a five-year struggle, established a registry of pedophiles, which serves as a foundation and example for the upcoming fight to amend the legal definition of rape. She emphasized that lessons learned from this struggle and all experiences gained can be applied to the current efforts.
Silva Çaka from Albania stated that there is only one safe house for women in the entire country, which is far from sufficient to protect victims of domestic violence. She emphasized that there is inadequate protection for women and children who are victims of family violence. Çaka highlighted the crucial role of the international community in driving change, noting past instances where international support alone was instrumental in bringing about reforms. She concluded that changing mentality and social awareness in Albania will be challenging, emphasizing the need to revise terminology and that this is a responsibility for all societal actors.
Slavica Radovanović, a Member of the Serbian Parliament, shared her experiences as both a parliamentarian and a longtime inspector in the Ministry of Internal Affairs. She expressed her own surprise at how often institutions lack sensitivity and fail to understand the needs of victims who come to them in extremely difficult situations. She noted that she has dedicated much of her career to training police officers and introducing protocols for handling cases of domestic violence. Radovanović emphasized that changing the legal definition of rape requires cooperation among all political parties, NGOs, and institutions—a challenge in Serbia, where such collaboration is difficult to achieve. She cited examples of proposed amendments or laws from the opposition that were rejected in parliament for this reason.
Radovanović underscored that adopting legislation is not the only task; often, Serbia has satisfactory legal frameworks, but implementation is lacking. She stressed the importance of developing mechanisms to monitor the enforcement of laws.
Fatmire Kolçaku, a Member of Parliament in Kosovo, explained that the Kosovo Criminal Code defines consent as “freely given agreement by a person over the age of 16 to a specific sexual act,” adding that the law also includes provisions for individuals over 14, provided the age difference between the parties does not exceed two years. She noted that the law explicitly states that consent is invalid when an individual, either verbally or through actions, expresses unwillingness to participate in or continue a sexual act, when consent is given by someone other than the victim, when consent is obtained through deception, fear, or intimidation, or when an individual is incapable of consenting due to diminished mental or physical capacity, or due to intoxication from alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
Kolçaku also highlighted that the law does not explicitly require that consent be enthusiastic, leaving room for interpretation in situations where consent is less clearly expressed. She pointed out that current judicial practices in Kosovo often rely on outdated concepts, such as requiring physical resistance to prove a lack of consent, which places Kosovo outside modern standards that prioritize gender equality and victim safety. She stressed the need to reform legal definitions to reflect a broader understanding of consent, emphasizing affirmative, voluntary, and informed consent without the requirement of physical resistance. Additionally, she advocated for a victim-centered approach that includes testimony from psychological experts, which could help secure justice even in cases without physical evidence.
Yasmin Qureshi, a Member of the UK Parliament, stated that it is unsurprising that the challenges faced by countries in the region are remarkably similar, both in legal frameworks and social norms. She noted that rape is a crime that typically occurs in private, without witnesses, and is one of the few crimes where the victim’s credibility is questioned from the moment it is reported. Citing examples from the UK, she explained that early rape laws were initially viewed as part of legislation concerning male ownership. These norms have gradually evolved, and the UK now provides relatively robust protection for victims. However, she added that even in countries considered to have achieved high levels of human rights protection, obstacles remain. She referenced a recent case in France that has attracted global attention, where some defendants argued that the victim did not resist or explicitly say “no” during repeated assaults.
While significant progress has been made, Qureshi noted that the conviction rate remains low, which is cause for concern. She concluded by emphasizing the importance of changing societal attitudes and, particularly, educating young people about their own and others’ sexual rights.