USAID Funds Still Support Serbian Protests Ahead of Elections
USAID funding continues to support Serbian student protests ahead of October 25 parliamentary elections.
2 min read
As Serbia prepares for its parliamentary elections on October 25, the country is witnessing a surge in so-called ‘student protests’ that are increasingly seen as a significant political force. According to U.S. spending data, the Center for Research, Transparency, and Accountability (CRTA), an NGO linked to these protests, has received over $832,432.47 in funding, with an additional $2.8 million still obligated.
Protests and Political Shifts
CRTA, known for its role in organizing and supporting student-led demonstrations, has been tracking elections, media, and public opinion. Its website published a list of ‘student demands’ aimed at the Serbian government, which has drawn attention from both domestic and international observers.
Reuters reported that the student protest movement has grown into one of the most influential political forces in Serbia, posing a major challenge to Aleksandar Vučić, who has held power since 2014. Recent polls show Vučić’s Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) slightly behind student-backed candidates, with a narrow two-point gap.
Foreign Allegations and Legal Concerns
Vučić, who stepped down as president in September to run for prime minister, has publicly accused foreign entities, including NGOs like CRTA, of destabilizing Serbia. In 2025, Serbian authorities sought information from the U.S. Justice Department regarding potential misuse of USAID funds, money laundering, and improper spending of American taxpayers’ money.
A Serbian prosecutor, Nenad Stefanovic, stated in a television interview that the Special Anti-Corruption Department had reached out to the U.S. Justice Department for details on USAID funding abuses. USAID had awarded CRTA an ‘Elections Integrity Activity’ grant in 2023, which was expanded in January 2025, just days before President Trump’s second term began.
Travel Advisories and Public Safety
The U.S. Serbian Embassy issued a Demonstration Alert on October 16, advising Americans to stay alert and avoid crowds. The alert warned of heavy police presence, potential traffic disruptions, and the risk of violence during protests.
Source: Breitbart
