- Approximately 80 participants cycling from Novi Sad to Strasbourg until July 15
- Protests intensified following November infrastructure disaster killing 16
- Route crosses Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany before France arrival
- EU demands media freedom and electoral reforms for accession
- Government alleges foreign interference in student-led movement
In an unprecedented display of youth activism, Serbian university students launched a 1,300-kilometer cycling protest from Novi Sad to Strasbourg on Thursday. The group aims to amplify their eight-month campaign against systemic corruption, which gained urgency after November's deadly train station canopy collapse exposed lax safety standards. Medical student Jovana Mitrovic stated, We're physically demonstrating our commitment to European values that our government verbally supports but systematically undermines.
The cyclists' route strategically mirrors Serbia's complex path toward EU membership, passing through four member states before reaching the European Parliament. Organizers have coordinated with Serbian diaspora communities for lodging, creating grassroots diplomatic channels. Each border crossing symbolizes a reform hurdle Serbia must clear,explained law student Marko Jovanović during a rest stop in Budapest.
This movement reflects growing Balkan youth mobilization, reminiscent of North Macedonia's 2016 Colorful Revolution against government corruption. Unlike traditional protests, the cycling format leverages visual symbolism and endurance challenges to maintain international media attention. Telecommunications student Ana Kovačević noted, Our wheels keep turning like the EU accession process – slow, exhausting, but directionally clear.
EU Commission data reveals Serbia has fulfilled only 41% of required membership criteria, with corruption prevention measures scoring lowest. The students' manifesto demands independent investigations into November's tragedy and reversal of restrictive media laws. Their arrival timing coincides with the European Parliament's summer session, maximizing political visibility.
President Vučić's administration continues framing the protests as foreign-backed destabilization attempts, despite EU diplomats confirming the movement's organic origins. Parallels emerge with Montenegro's 2020 protests, where EU integration pressures forced constitutional changes. As the cyclists approach Strasbourg, their journey highlights the shrinking space for civil discourse in aspiring member states.
