The Independence of Serbia’s Ministry of Internal Affairs: Between Domestic Oversight and Foreign Influence
AMO
/ Ed. 6. 1. 2025
The Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) of Serbia plays a key role in maintaining order and security in the country. However, in recent years, questions have arisen regarding the level of its independence, given its extensive cooperation with foreign partners. Research indicates that the MUP relies on donations, equipment, and technology from various countries, which enhance its capacities but also raise concerns about independence and data protection.
International donors play a significant role in equipping Serbia’s MUP. These donations often focus on modernizing equipment, strengthening capacities for border control, migration management, emergency response, and combating crime. Major partners include the European Union, China, Russia, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates, with donations ranging from advanced technologies to vehicles. While these contributions are crucial for improving the security sector, questions remain about how they are utilized and to what extent the MUP retains sovereignty in its operations.
The article by Aleksa Tešić was originaly published with the support of the project Enhancing the Capacities of Serbian Investigative Journalists in Mapping Foreign Influence in Serbia by OzonPress. You can read the original version in Serbian here.
