Serbian students leading ongoing protests have stated that the upcoming demonstration on March 15, labeled as the “final gathering,” will not mark the end of their movement. They remain committed to staying on the streets until their demands are met.
“On March 15, we write history together—Serbia will take to the streets of Belgrade to oppose injustice. But let no one think this is the end. We are not taking final steps—we are making tectonic changes. If our demands are not met, we will remain in the streets, in blockades, in the fight—until justice is served,” the Students in Blockade movement declared on Instagram.
Groups of students from across Serbia are marching toward Belgrade, expected to arrive on the evening of March 14. The protest is also expected to include farmers, cyclists, teachers, professors, and other civic groups.
Government Tensions and EU Response
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has warned citizens against attending the protest, claiming—without providing evidence—that violent incidents are expected. Authorities have also suggested possible preemptive arrests.
Meanwhile, the European Union has urged Serbia to de-escalate tensions and respect the fundamental right to peaceful assembly. Brussels dismissed claims that the West is behind the protests, emphasizing that political rhetoric and disinformation have no place in Serbia’s EU integration process.
Background of the Protests
Students have been protesting for four months, demanding accountability for the deaths of 15 people at the Novi Sad railway station, where a collapsed canopy caused fatalities. Their key demands include:
- Full disclosure of the reconstruction documents for the collapsed canopy.
- Criminal prosecution of those responsible for attacks on students and professors.
- Dropping charges against arrested protesters.
- A 20% increase in funding for higher education.
While the government claims to have met the students’ demands, protest leaders insist otherwise, vowing to continue their fight.
