Serbian students undertook an impressive journey, running nearly 2,000 kilometers to Brussels to bring their pro-democracy and anti-corruption message to the European Union. With the EU increasingly critical of Serbia's democratic situation, their timing was strategic.
After 18 days, traversing eight countries and covering 1,950 kilometers (1,211 miles), the students from Serbia completed their ultramarathon from Novi Sad to Brussels, arriving in the Belgian capital on Tuesday.
They were welcomed by citizens at the entrance of key EU institutions, accompanied by the stirring notes of the Italian partisan anthem "Bella Ciao." Among the participants was Dunja Stanojkovic, a veterinary student from Pancevo, whose family watched her arrival with a blend of pride, concern, and excitement.
"We hope for a better life in Serbia so our children won't have to leave the country and that we can restore democracy in Serbia," her mother, Dragana, shared with DW.
The demonstrations, initially ignited by the tragic collapse of the concrete canopy at the Novi Sad train station that resulted in 16 fatalities, have since transformed into a larger movement advocating for justice, accountability, and a stand against authoritarianism and corruption.
Students Welcome MEPs
Brussels, the students assert, is merely another stop on their protest journey. They have come to share their experiences with European officials regarding the situation in Serbia.
"We want to shed light on our challenges and raise awareness both in Serbia and globally about what we are enduring," said student Uros Obradovis in an interview with DW. "We hope for understanding and support from the European Union as we continue our fight."
Their first destination during this three-day visit to European institutions was the European Parliament, where lawmakers welcomed them and praised their courage and activism.
EU's Position on Serbia
Recently, lawmakers approved the EU's latest Progress Report on Serbia, which addresses many concerns raised by students.
"The primary barrier to Serbia's advancement is the nature of its government, represented by Aleksandar Vucic," stated Tonino Picula, the European Parliament's rapporteur for Serbia, in an interview with DW.
"We cannot accept a wish list from Belgrade while actions—such as the Serbian president's recent participation in Putin's military parade in Moscow—convey a contradictory message," he added.
While strong criticism from the European Parliament is not uncommon, it is noteworthy that the center-right European People's Party (EPP), of which Vucic's Serbian Progressive Party is an associate member, has also begun to voice its concerns.
This is particularly important, according to Nemanja Todorovic Stiplija, editor-in-chief of European Western Balkans, a regional website focused on the European integration process. He notes that the European People's Party (EPP) is the most influential political group in the European Parliament. "There was a diplomatic effort when Donald Tusk and [Kyriakos] Mitsotakis visited Serbia to apply some pressure on Vucic, but it was unsuccessful," Stiplija explains. "Now, for the first time, the EPP has released a strongly worded statement indicating that a member of the EPP should not participate in a parade in Moscow." He adds, "Von der Leyen can't remain silent forever." During their three-day visit to Brussels, the students are also scheduled to meet with Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and Commissioner for Youth, Sport, and Intergenerational Dialogue Glenn Micallef.
During a recent trip to Serbia, Kos stated that the students' demands are in line with the expectations set by the European Commission for Serbia. He emphasized that the tragedy in Novi Sad could have been avoided if the rule of law had been upheld.
"European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen can't remain silent indefinitely," Slovenian MEP Irena Joveva told DW. "I warned her that ignorance can be deadly—quite literally. The pressure is now on her, as this is a struggle for the European values she is meant to uphold."
Picula also anticipates a response, pointing out that the EU's credibility is at stake. "You cannot have a credible enlargement policy that fails to bring about genuine change in the countries aspiring to join Europe—especially Serbia, which, due to its size and significance, is arguably the most crucial candidate in the Western Balkans. Therefore, our current approach to Serbia is vital for the future of enlargement," he remarked.
