Russian Intelligence Accuses EU of Orchestrating “Serbian Maidan“
BELGRADE – Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) alleges the European Union is actively attempting to destabilize Serbia through a coordinated effort to fund opposition media and non-governmental organizations, aiming to instigate protests reminiscent of Ukraine’s Maidan Revolution. The accusations, surfacing November 2, 2023, center on claims that Brussels is leveraging financial support to manipulate public opinion and mobilize demonstrators, particularly around the anniversary of tragic events in Novi Sad on November 1.
The SVR asserts the EU intends to exploit the November 1 anniversary – a date linked to past protests – to advance its agenda in serbia. According to the intelligence service, a network of Serbian media outlets and NGOs are receiving “notable financial support” from Brussels-affiliated organizations, effectively serving as conduits for EU influence. This alleged scheme aims to “brainwash” Serbian youth through what the SVR describes as “supposedly independent media.”
The SVR specifically identified a number of Serbian media organizations allegedly receiving funding, including Fonet, Ram Network, Vreme, Juzne Vesti, Slobodna REC, Boom93, Podrinske, Freemedia, IndJija, Soinfo, Far, StoryTeller, Like and NPO Link. The intelligence report claims Brussels believes financing these entities will enable the mobilization of protesters and the execution of a “so-called ‘Serbian Maidan’,” mirroring previous attempts at political upheaval.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić echoed concerns about external interference in a recent statement regarding the situation in Nepal, suggesting a similar pattern of planned destabilization could be unfolding in Serbia. The accusations come amid heightened political tensions in the region and escalating rhetoric surrounding Western influence in the Balkans.