European Movement in Serbia
Belgrade, 14 May 2026

Press Release

Education, Youth and Europe in Focus of Europe Day Marking

The European Movement in Serbia marked Europe Day through the public debate “Education, Youth and Europe: Who Safeguards the Future of Serbia Today?”, held at Europe House Belgrade, alongside the presentation of the traditional “Contribution of the Year to Europe” award.

The event was opened by Dragana Đurica, Secretary General of the European Movement in Serbia, who stressed that the question of Serbia’s European future is not merely a formal issue of the European path, but a question of preserving the people, institutions and values without which that future cannot have genuine substance.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Duško Lopandić, Vice-President of the European Movement in Serbia, emphasized that education is the foundation of a dignified society and that progress can only be built through investment in the development of every citizen. He particularly highlighted the importance of openness toward new ideas, other cultures and European models, as well as the role of young people who, in the recent period, have demonstrated that education can become a space for demanding a more orderly, democratic and decent society.

The debate focused on the crisis of education, pressures on schools, universities, students and professors, academic freedom, institutional autonomy, trust in knowledge, and the role of education in preserving the democratic and European character of society. The participants included Jasminka Čekić-Marković, Dragica Pavlović Babić, Ana Jakovljević, and Milica Bojranić. The speakers discussed the state of the education system, the position of science and the academic community, the relationship between education and European integration, young people’s trust in educational institutions, the international standing of universities, and the risk of youth emigration.

In the second part of the event, the “Contribution of the Year to Europe” award was presented. Radomir Diklić, President of the European Movement in Serbia, stated that the award is not granted merely as a ceremonial recognition, but also as a message that European values — freedom, dignity, knowledge, solidarity, responsibility and the right to critical thought — still exist within society and must be safeguarded in public life, institutions, media, education, culture and everyday life.

This year’s award recipient was Zoran Kesić, recognized for his contribution to free public speech, humour, satire and the courage to call reality by its real name. His long-standing work demonstrates that serious social and political issues can be addressed without hatred, that criticism can be sharp while remaining humane, and that humour can serve as an important form of democratic resistance to apathy, fear and silence.

The European Movement in Serbia will continue contributing to public dialogue on Serbia’s European future, the protection of democratic values, and the strengthening of the role of education, youth and free public speech in society.