In a remarkable display of determination, around 80 Serbian university students cycled over 1,300 kilometers from Novi Sad to Strasbourg, France, to draw attention to their ongoing protests against government corruption. Their journey, which lasted 13 days, culminated in a hero’s welcome in the heart of the European Union, where they aimed to highlight the need for accountability and democratic reforms in Serbia.
Key Takeaways
- Journey of Solidarity: The students cycled through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, receiving warm welcomes in each city.
- Protests Against Corruption: Their protests were sparked by a tragic incident in November 2024, where a railway station canopy collapse killed 16 people, attributed to government negligence and corruption.
- Call for EU Support: The students seek greater attention and support from European institutions to address the political crisis in Serbia.
The Journey Begins
On April 3, 2025, the students set off from Novi Sad, motivated by a desire to make their voices heard on an international stage. They faced various challenges, including harsh weather conditions, but remained resolute in their mission. Each day, they covered between 100 to 150 kilometers, stopping in cities like Budapest, Vienna, and Munich, where they were greeted by supporters from the Serbian diaspora and local communities.
Arrival in Strasbourg
Upon reaching Strasbourg on April 15, the students were met with cheers and applause from hundreds of supporters. The emotional atmosphere mirrored the solidarity they had experienced throughout their journey. One student expressed, "I think that this protest action is a full success. I think we have woken up Europe."
The Protests
The student-led protests in Serbia began in late November 2024, following the tragic collapse of the railway station canopy. The protests have since evolved into a broader movement against systemic corruption and the erosion of democratic freedoms under President Aleksandar Vucic’s administration. The students demand:
- Justice for the Victims: Accountability for the 16 lives lost in the canopy collapse.
- End to Government Violence: A halt to the repression of peaceful protests and the release of detained demonstrators.
- Increased Funding for Education: A 20% increase in the budget for higher education to support students and academic institutions.
Meeting with European Officials
In Strasbourg, the students planned to meet with representatives from the European Parliament and the Council of Europe. They aimed to deliver letters outlining their grievances and the urgent need for EU intervention in Serbia’s political landscape. The students emphasized that their fight is not just for themselves but for the future of democracy in Serbia.
Conclusion
The students’ journey to Strasbourg is a powerful reminder of the role youth activism plays in shaping political discourse. As they continue to advocate for justice and accountability, their efforts highlight the importance of international support in the fight against corruption and the preservation of democratic values in Serbia. Their message is clear: the youth of Serbia will not be silenced, and they demand a future built on transparency and justice.
Sources
- Protesting students to draw EU’s attention to corruption in Serbia | Serbia Politics News, SeeNews.
- After cycling to Strasbourg, Serbian students meet with EP and CoE representatives, European Western Balkans.
- Serbian Students Bring Protest Cause to Strasbourg After Bicycle Marathon, Balkan Insight.
- Serbian Student Cyclists Reach Strasbourg, Ending Trek To Highlight Anti-Government Protests, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
- Serbian students cycle hundreds of miles to take their grievances to the EU, AP News.
