We commemorate May 9th, Europe Day, as the day when, 75 years ago, the “Schuman Declaration” was presented — the foundational document that marked the beginning of building today’s European Union, a community of equal European peoples founded on the ideals of peace, social prosperity, integration, and mutual solidarity. This year’s anniversary holds special significance given the situation in which our country finds itself — stalled on its European path amid turbulent changes (climatic, demographic, geopolitical, and economic) sweeping across our continent and the world, affecting every individual.

Serbia is currently facing a profound political and social crisis. The student movement, which emerged as a reaction by young people to unprecedented corruption, social injustice, and the erosion of the rule of law, has mobilized nearly the entire Serbian society. In recent weeks, our students have reached Strasbourg and Brussels to alert European institutions — such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights — to raise awareness of the situation in Serbia.

The demands of students and citizens — which have received support in Europe — largely align with the conditions set by the European Union for Serbia’s authorities: the necessity of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, freedom of speech and media, and the organization of free elections under fair conditions. Instead of responding to these calls for fundamental justice, Serbia’s alienated government has responded with insults and repression toward students and citizens. The President of the Republic markes May 9th in Moscow, in a country that has launched a major war in Europe against its neighbor and annexed part of its territory, thus clearly confirming how illusory his proclamations about Serbia’s orientation toward EU membership truly are.

The European Movement in Serbia will continue to advocate for Serbia’s sincere commitment to joining the EU as the best path to addressing social, regional, and European challenges. This also includes the reforms advocated by the student movement and other societal actors who support it.

On the occasion of Europe Day, the European Movement in Serbia will organize a public debate titled “Youth and the EU.”