Serbia’s ‘Journey of Hope’

On 1st November 2024, the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railway station canopy claimed 16 lives and severely injured one. The event exposed Serbian local authorities’ negligence and corruption, and sparked a powerful national movement expressing dissatisfaction with the national government as a whole.

What began as grief quickly turned into grassroots momentum, as thousands – led by students – took to the streets to demand justice, accountability and democratic reforms. Their call: a transparent, fairer and democratic Serbia.

Eight months on, the wave of civic engagement continues to shape the country’s political landscape.

The Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), in cooperation with the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Serbia Office, hosted this timely public conference examining this historic moment. Serbian and European voices reflected on the impact of the protests and explored the prospects for real political change in Serbia and the wider Western Balkans. 

• Tonino Picula, S&D Member of the European Parliament, Croatia
• Borko Stefanović, MP, Deputy Chairman, Party of Freedom and Justice (SSP), Serbia
• Ksenija Marković, MP, International Secretary, Democratic Party (DS), Serbia
• Aleksandra Krstić, Associate Professor at the Department of Journalism and Communication and Vice Dean for Research and International Cooperation, Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Belgrade, Serbia
• Sofija Popović, Journalist at the European Western Balkans, Researcher at the Centre for Contemporary Politics, Serbia
• Aleksa Popović, Representative of Students
• Olaf Bruns, Senior Journalist, Multilingual TV Reporter, International Conference Moderator
• Kirsten Schoenefeld, Director, FES in Belgrade
• László Andor, Secretary General, FEPS

A light reception and networking opportunity were provided after the event at the FEPS office. 

For more information regarding the project and this event, please do not hesitate to contact Hedwig Giusto, Senior Research Fellow and Editor in Chief of the Progressive Post, FEPS (hedwig.giusto@feps-europe.eu) or Julia Wild, Project Officer, FEPS (julia.wild@feps-europe.eu).