10 April 2025, Brussels
Background
Demonstrations erupted across Serbia in November 2024 following the tragic collapse of a railway station canopy in Novi Sad that claimed 16 lives and left one person severely injured. What began as student-led university blockades has expanded to protests in over 400 cities across Serbia, culminating in a massive gathering of more than 300,000 people in Belgrade on March 15, 2025.
Citizens have identified corruption, mismanagement, and political negligence as the primary causes of this tragedy. The protesters demand the establishment of rule of law, genuine democracy, and an end to corruption, alongside specific educational reforms.
EFFAT Affiliates in Serbia Support This Call for Democracy and Rule of Law
Our Position
The existence of independent and democratic institutions and adherence to democratic principles are prerequisites for a democratic society and for workplace democracy. Trade unions, as independent democratic organizations representing workers’ interests, stand at the forefront of defending these essential values and principles.
As a European federation of free, independent, and democratic trade unions, EFFAT fully support the mobilisation of young people and civil society in Serbia and stand in solidarity with its Serbian affiliates (GS PPI NEZAVISNOST and PRO AGRO) calling for an independent, and democratic Serbia.
Their struggle for democracy, rule of law, and against corruption is our struggle too as it touches the very foundation of our shared values and existence.
EFFAT and its Youth Committee—a statutory body elected to represent young people within the federation—express their unwavering solidarity with the students and workers of Serbia and strongly condemn any attempts at political interference in these demonstrations. As advocates for independent and democratic unionism, we defend the fundamental rights of freedom of expression and assembly. No one should be coerced to act against their will or beliefs under threat of workplace repercussions.
We pledge our continued support for their legitimate struggle.
EFFAT Youth Committee Statement
The EFFAT Youth Committee stands firmly with young people in Serbia who are courageously demanding democracy, transparency, and an end to corruption. We strongly condemn any attempts to silence or intimidate them. Young workers and students are the future, and their voices must be heard. The fight against corruption is also a fight for fair jobs, decent wages, and a just society-issues that directly affect young people across Europe.
The EFFAT Youth Committee remains committed to supporting our Serbian affiliates and standing in solidarity with all young people fighting for a democratic future.
See our EFFAT Youth Committee solidarity messages here: Video Messages
