Serbian students cycle 780 miles to demand EU support for anti-corruption protests

In a remarkable display of determination, a group of Serbian university students cycled more than 780 miles from Novi Sad to Strasbourg, France, to draw attention to their fight against corruption in Serbia. The cycling trip took place earlier this month, culminating in a festive reception where the students were honored with medals and a red carpet. This journey was not only a show of physical endurance but also an emblematic protest against the increasing authoritarianism of President Aleksandar Vucic, who has continuously faced criticism for stifling democratic freedoms and ignoring the students' demands for justice in light of corruption-related issues. The students have been at the forefront of a nationwide anti-graft movement, ignited by the tragic collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad that resulted in the deaths of 16 people. Critics have pointed to persistent corruption and negligence in safety regulations as contributing factors to this disaster, provoking protests that have lasted for months. The students assert that they are not merely seeking assistance from the EU but are instead urging Europe to uphold its own values concerning democracy and the rule of law. They feel that their struggle has been inadequately acknowledged by European leaders, who have maintained a lukewarm response toward the ongoing protests in Serbia. Following their cycling efforts, the students recently commenced a new challenge: a nearly 1,200-mile run to Brussels, which they hope will further highlight their demands and struggles to EU institutions. This relay-style ‘ultra-marathon’ is expected to last for 18 days, beginning from their starting point in Novi Sad. The endeavor serves as a symbol of their perseverance in advocating for a better future amid a political climate that they describe as increasingly oppressive. They have voiced their concerns to the EU about the lack of substantial support for democratic values in Serbia, drawing attention to the broader implications of their fight for governance based on values such as freedom and dignity. The Serbian students have particularly expressed the need for their protests to resonate beyond their borders, aiming to stir a consciousness in the European community about both the political and social crises facing their country. They intend to deliver a message that their protests are not just localized issues but reflect significant concerns about governance and integrity that could resonate throughout Europe. Vucic, on the other hand, has characterized the protests as a foreign-directed threat to national integrity, alleging that they pose a economic risk to Serbia. Over the course of the last few months, the students’ protests have highlighted a larger dialogue surrounding democracy, governance, and the balances of power not just within Serbia, but also in relation to EU membership aspirations and international support for democratic movements globally.