Analyst flags pro-Russian rhetoric as students seek international support

Jelica Minic from the European Movement in Serbia has raised serious concerns about recent pro-Russian statements, particularly those allegedly made during Patriarch Porfirije’s visit to Moscow. According to her, these declarations pose a direct threat to Serbia’s sovereignty, its future trajectory, and its long-term orientation towards Europe.

The analyst expressed her expectation that the European Union, which she believes is actively working to keep Serbia on its European path, will respond to these worrying developments.

Minic also highlighted the growing impact of the Serbian student ultramarathoners who have embarked on an 18-day journey to Brussels, where the European Parliament is scheduled to discuss the situation in Serbia. She noted that the students have already captured the attention of the domestic public and have now set their sights on gaining international recognition for their cause. „If the international community shows interest, national and European institutions cannot ignore it,“ Minic asserted.

She further elaborated on the significance of the students’ actions, stating, „I believe that the public in the European Union and the media are no longer turning a deaf ear to what’s happening in Serbia. There is a particular reaction to the students, so their epic journey will certainly not go unnoticed. Even if they don’t achieve anything more concrete, they’ve already done a great deal for our country. They have connected Serbia. Serbia is circulating, Serbia is alive, Serbia is no longer fragmented into static, helpless entities.“

The analyst also emphasised the historic achievement of connecting students with Novi Pazar, a region with a distinct cultural and ethnic makeup within Serbia. „The fact that solidarity has emerged between students from other parts of Serbia and citizens living in Novi Pazar is a new atmosphere that no one will easily relinquish. This remains as a legacy of what the students have done,“ she explained.

She described the students’ approach as a form of „pilgrimage,“ finding their dedication „touching and in some ways moving.“ Minic believes the students are determined to create a normal life for their society, unburdened by the past, and are fighting for core European values. She pointed out that EU officials, including Marta Kos, who is scheduled to visit Serbia, are indicating that Serbia is expected to meet the demands of the students.

Minic also stressed the importance of the students’ discussions with representatives of the Council of Europe, noting that these dialogues are entering official procedures and that the individuals who met with the students are now informing their institutions. She highlighted the positive reception the students received, emphasizing that these conversations should not be underestimated.

Minic reiterated that the students have undoubtedly won over the domestic public and are now focused on gaining international attention, a crucial step that could compel both national and European institutions to take notice.