In a remarkable display of determination, a group of Serbian university students cycled more than 1,300 kilometers (780 miles) to reach the heart of the European Union, hoping to raise awareness of their ongoing fight against corruption and demand justice. Their journey, spanning 13 days, culminated in a hero’s welcome in Strasbourg, France, where the European Parliament meets.
The 80 students who embarked on this extraordinary journey were not just riding for themselves, but for an entire nation in turmoil. They aimed to draw the European Union’s attention to the ongoing protests against the Serbian government’s corruption and democratic backsliding. Serbia, a country formally seeking EU membership, has faced increasing criticism for its erosion of democratic freedoms and rule of law under President Aleksandar Vucic.
Upon their arrival in Strasbourg, the students were greeted with open arms by hundreds of supporters, including the Serbian diaspora and European students. It was an emotional moment, and for many, it was the culmination of a movement that has been growing for months. “I think this protest action is a full success,” said one of the cyclists in a live broadcast from Strasbourg. “I believe we have woken up Europe.”
A Journey for Justice and Democracy
The student-led protests began months ago, spurred by the tragic deaths of 16 people in a train station canopy collapse in November. The collapse, widely blamed on systemic corruption, galvanized a nationwide movement. Since then, the students have taken to the streets, demanding justice for the victims and an end to government corruption and violence against protesters.
The students’ movement has rattled Vucic’s government, but despite their growing support at home and across the Balkans, many of the protesters feel that the EU has failed to provide the backing they need. They hope their long, grueling journey across Europe will change that.
Their route took them through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, where they endured heavy rain and freezing temperatures. Despite the harsh conditions, their spirits remained high, bolstered by enthusiastic receptions in cities like Budapest, Vienna, and various German towns. “It’s been difficult, but we’re doing this for the people of Serbia,” said another student, visibly moved by the outpouring of support.
The EU’s Lukewarm Response
While the protests have garnered attention and solidarity from many corners of Europe, the EU’s reaction has been notably subdued. EU officials have refrained from criticizing Vucic, with many considering him a stabilizing force in a region still haunted by the scars of the 1990s wars. However, the students feel that their cause is being ignored by those who should be standing up for democracy and human rights.
As they prepare to meet with officials at the Council of Europe and the European Parliament in Strasbourg, the students remain steadfast in their call for justice. Their journey may have ended in Strasbourg, but their fight for justice, democracy, and the future of Serbia is far from over.
A Growing Movement
Back in Serbia, the student protests continue to make waves. On Tuesday, students in Belgrade and Novi Sad blocked the entrances to the state broadcaster RTS, protesting its biased coverage of the ongoing events. The students are determined to hold the government accountable, and their fight is increasingly being recognized beyond Serbia’s borders.
While the EU remains largely silent, the students’ courage and persistence are inspiring a growing movement, not only in Serbia but across the Balkans. The ride to Strasbourg may have ended, but the students’ fight for a better, more just Serbia is only just beginning.
Their message is clear: corruption must end, and democracy must be restored. And if the EU doesn’t act, Serbia’s students are ready to keep fighting, both on the streets and through their extraordinary acts of defiance.
