EYP Alumni Talk – Youth Movements Matter: What can Europe learn from the student movements in Serbia?

In November 2024, part of a renovated train station in Novi Sad, Serbia collapsed, killing 16 people. Protests broke out in the aftermath of this tragedy, primarily led by students, criticising the government of corruption. The students claim that the companies who renovated the station, and companies who receive other government contracts, were not appointed in a transparent way and did not have sufficient quality checks in their work.

These demonstrations grew into a larger movement against the Balkan country’s leadership which the protesters say is authoritarian and does not act with transparency. The Government has responded by threatening mass arrests and refusing to cede power.

According to an independent monitor, this movement has led to the largest rally in Serbian history, with 325,000 people gathering to protest in March.

In a period of political instability across Europe, what can young people learn from the events that have transpired during Serbia’s months-long student movement?

The European Youth Parliament (EYP) is one of Europe’s largest youth platforms for civic education, intercultural encounters, and the exchange of ideas. As part of the EYP’s Alumni Talks, we are pleased to host a digital panel discussion on this topic. All participants are welcome.

Panellists will discuss the key questions faced by youth movements in the current political landscape: What does it mean to be part of a youth movement? How can young people make their voices heard in the face of government pushback against protests? How can young people be active citizens while taking care of their safety and welfare? What challenges are faced by youth movement across Europe? How can youth movements in different situations learn from each other in order to maximise their impact?

The talk is open to all participants, and the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions and join in on the discussion. We are very much looking forward to your participation and kindly ask you to register by October 8, 2025.

The event will be held in English via Zoom.

This event falls under the Alumni United project, supported by the E.ON Foundation.