In a bold move to draw attention to their ongoing protests against corruption, Serbian students have embarked on a nearly 2,000-kilometer (1,200-mile) relay run from Novi Sad to Brussels. This initiative aims to highlight the pressing political and social issues in Serbia, particularly following a tragic incident that claimed 16 lives last November.
Key Takeaways
- Over 20 students began their relay-style run on April 25, 2025, from Novi Sad, Serbia.
- The journey is expected to last 18 days, covering multiple countries.
- The students are advocating for democratic values and accountability in Serbia.
- Their run follows a previous cycling trip to Strasbourg, France, where they met EU officials.
Background of the Protests
The protests were ignited by a catastrophic train station canopy collapse in Novi Sad on November 1, 2024, which resulted in 16 fatalities. This tragedy has been attributed to negligence and corruption in state-backed infrastructure projects. In response, students have mobilized to demand justice and accountability from the government.
The Journey to Brussels
The students set off from the site of the canopy collapse, symbolically starting their run at the now-closed railway station in Novi Sad. They plan to reach Brussels by May 12, coinciding with a session of the European Parliament. Their route will take them through several countries, including Croatia, Hungary, and Austria.
- First Stop: Osijek, Croatia
- Expected Duration: 18 days
- Countries Covered: Serbia, Croatia, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and Belgium
Goals and Messages
The students are not merely seeking assistance from the EU; they aim to remind European leaders of their commitment to democratic values, freedom, and the rule of law. They have prepared a letter detailing the political situation in Serbia, which they hope to deliver to EU institutions.
Aleksa Dimitrijevic, a medical student involved in the run, emphasized that their message is clear: "Democratic values must be upheld not only in official declarations but in public awareness and collective action."
Government Response
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has criticized the student protests, labeling them as attempts to destabilize the country under foreign influence. He has accused the protesters of staging a “color revolution” and has claimed that their actions are damaging to Serbia’s economy. Despite this, the student-led movement continues to gain momentum, reflecting widespread discontent with the current government’s handling of democratic freedoms.
Conclusion
As the students make their way to Brussels, they carry with them the hopes of many Serbians who seek justice and accountability. Their journey is not just a physical challenge but a powerful statement against corruption and a call for the EU to take a more active role in supporting democratic movements in Serbia. The outcome of their efforts remains to be seen, but their determination is a testament to the resilience of youth activism in the face of adversity.
Sources
- After cycling to France, Serbia’s protesting students run to Brussels to stir EU attention, AP News.
- Message to Europe: Serbian Student Protesters Begin Ultramarathon to Brussels, Balkan Insight.
- Fireworks as thousands greet Serbian students who cycled to France seeking EU support for protests, AP News.
- Serbian Students Bring Protest Cause to Strasbourg After Bicycle Marathon, Balkan Insight.
- Serbian students cycle hundreds of miles to take their grievances to the EU, AP News.
