Stiven Nikola Bartulica, a Croatian Member of the European Parliament from the Homeland Movement party, delivered a provocative speech in Strasbourg that directly targeted Serbian student protesters observing a parliamentary session. His remarks linked their pro-European protests to demands for Serbia to acknowledge responsibility for 1990s war crimes and pay reparations to Croatia.
The nationalist politician began by dismissing Serbia’s democratic credentials, stating: “This report confirms Serbia isn’t a European-style liberal democracy. It remains trapped in nationalist myths, with nothing changing.” He then issued an uncompromising ultimatum regarding bilateral relations: “There can be no normalization until Serbia admits guilt for its aggression and compensates victims. That’s the bare minimum for reconciliation.”
In an unprecedented direct address to the Serbian students, Bartulica reframed their European aspirations: “Your advocacy for European values must include reconciling with Croatia and admitting guilt for crimes against our people in the 1990s. These too are European values. Truth may be bitter, but without it, there’s no progress.”
The students, participating in ongoing anti-government blockades across Serbian universities, remained in the chamber following the remarks but showed no visible reaction. Their presence in Strasbourg forms part of broader demonstrations demanding educational reforms and European integration.
— MMMarija (@Marija64729972) May 6, 2025
