On a Mission: Serbian Students' Ultramarathon to Brussels
A Run for Change
Serbian President Alexander Vucic visits Russia, facing criticisms from the EU
Since April 25, 2025, a tenacious group of 21 Serbian students have embarked on a grueling 1,933 km ultramarathon from Novi Sad to Brussels, their mission being to spotlight the deep-rooted political and social crisis in their homeland. This crisis trace its roots back to a deadly train station canopy collapse in November 2024, inciting widespread unrest that continues to this day [1][3][5].
The Heart of the Matter
This wave of protests has been spearheaded by allegations against President Aleksandar Vučić's government, accusations that range from corruption and censorship in media to authoritarian leadership. These students have set out to amplify these concerns by delivering a letter to EU institutions, hoping to pierce the veil of indifference shrouding the crisis in Serbia [1][5].
A Chorus for Change
Recently, the student protest movement has echoed a call for snap parliamentary elections, a demand that gained the support of the opposition majority but was met with resistance from the ruling party. This resounding plea underscores the students' crusade for political transformation in Serbia [4].
Engaging the European Powers
The ultramarathon is but one facet of a broader strategy to connect with European officials. Earlier in their mission, a group of 80 Serbian students pedaled their way to Strasbourg, seeking audience with EU and Council of Europe representatives. With Strasbourg now behind them, the current batch of student ultramarathoners marches forward, intent on reaching Brussels and conversing with MEPs to share their insights on the prevailing political and social contour of Serbia. They have already crossed the French border and aim to arrive in Brussels by early next week [4][5].
Current Events
Meanwhile, amid the students' run for change, President Vučić has found himself in the hot seat, facing reproach from the EU for his foreign policy choices, specifically for his recent visit to Moscow amid escalating EU tensions. Acknowledging the inevitable repercussions from Brussels, Vučić pressed on with his sojourn [4].
In a Nutshell
- Ultramarathon: A group of 21 Serbian students running over 1,900 km to Brussels, seeking to shed light on the troubles plaguing their country.
- Protests and Crisis: Continuous unrest since November 2024, spurred by a fatal accident in Novi Sad, with students championing political reforms.
- Snap Elections: Students and opposition calling for early elections, which the ruling party hesitates to support.
- MEP Meetings: Ultramarathoners aim to confer with European Parliament representatives to voice their insights on the contemporary state of Serbia.
- *"Ultramarathoners": The group of 21 Serbian students are currently running 1,933 km from Novi Sad to Brussels, using the ultramarathon as a means to highlight the political and social crisis in their homeland.
- *"Whatsapp": The students are using Whatsapp to communicate and coordinate their run, as they aim to deliver a letter to EU institutions in Brussels.
- *"War-and-conflicts": The unrest in Serbia traces its roots back to a deadly train station canopy collapse in November 2024, sparking widespread protests and continued conflict.
- *"Politics": The protests have been spearheaded by allegations against President Aleksandar Vučić's government, with claims of corruption, censorship, and authoritarian leadership. The students' mission is to amplify these concerns and call for political transformation, including snap parliamentary elections.
