Following April's student-led 1,400-km cycle to Strasbourg in protest of Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić and his government, the grassroots campaign arrives in Brussels on Tuesday 13 May after completing a nearly 2,000-km ultramarathon from Serbia's second largest city, Novi Sad.
The ultramarathon beginning in Novi Sad saw 21 students travel to Brussels to meet MEPs from several political groups and European Commissioner for Enlargement Martha Kos and Commissioner for Youth Glenn Micallef.
The youth-led activism has ramped up since the collapse of a new canopy at Novi Sad's Chinese-renovated railway station in November 2024 that killed 16.
The disaster was a culmination of all criticisms of Vučić's government: accusations of corruption and cronyism, and making little progress on reforming the democracy of the State.
Benelux-based Serbian diaspora cycling to Strasbourg to call out government repression, April 2025. Credit: Palac Gore
Initially the act of protest was due to include 16 runners with one to represent each person lost in the tragedy. Participation grew to 21 runners who each completed the distance covering 15 km daily in a relay format.
This event is the latest in a string of actions against Vučić's government in Serbia. These include silent vigils and peaceful protests, which local police have reportedly clamped down on in an aggressive manner.
Individuals have been hospitalised during these and cars of government supporters have repeatedly driven into crowds of protesters, according to France 24.
Criticised by the European Parliament for non-compliance with the EU's foreign policy, Vučić met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 7 May. Recognising that "criticism from Brussels will follow," Vučić expects and awaits EU punishment.
Demonstrations will continue as the students and protestors are calling for early parliamentary elections in the hope of ousting Vučić.
