IMPULSE Keeping Focus: Reporting developments in Serbia Serbia in Political and Economic Turmoil Ahead of the 1 November Anniversary Protest Key points: ɂ Serbia poised for another large student protest in Novi Sad on the anniversary of the railway station tragedy ɂ European Parliament resolution on Serbia and von der Leyen’s visit to Belgrade show increasing pressure on Vučić’s government concerning democracy ɂ U.S. sanctions against the Oil Industry of Serbia (NIS) pose significant challenges to Serbian economy and Belgrade’s balancing foreign policy Smaller-scale protests ahead of the major November gathering in Novi Sad As the first anniversary of the Novi Sad tragedy of 1 November 2024 approaches, Serbia remains in a political deadlock. The student movement, which has become a major political actor, called for early parliamentary elections in May, but the ruling Serbian Progressive Party rejected these demands, claiming that early elections would probably be held towards the end of 2026. Over the past month, polarization has remained high and the atmosphere in society tense. While there have been no major protests by the student movement since the first week of September, numerous smaller-scale protest activities have continued, accompanied by a series of counter-gatherings organized by the ruling party. A new major student protest is expected on 1 November in Novi Sad, marking the first anniversary of the death of 16 people. The student protest in Novi Sad on 5 September 2025 gathered thousands of participants. Although the immediate cause of the protest was police violence against students on 1 September, the protest on 5 September was marked by an even more brutal police response. Following a peaceful gathering, part of the protesters marched to the Serbia in Political and Economic Turmoil Ahead of the 1 November Anniversary Protest 1