Transparency International: Serbian students biking 1,400 km to Strasbourg to defend rule of law must receive support from EU Commission

Berlin — In support of the students arriving in Strasbourg by bicycle from Serbia, Transparency International urges the EU Commission to take a stronger stance with the Serbian government and demand the restoration of democratic norms. This includes halting restrictions on independent media, curbing undue political influence over the judiciary and legislative processes, ensuring transparency in allocation of public contracts and preventing the manipulation of electoral rules for partisan advantage.

The group of Serbian students who have arrived at the home of the EU Parliament today after a 1,400 km bicycle journey are calling on the bloc to stand up for justice and democratic freedoms in Serbia. The students are urging the EU Commission to use its influence to push the Serbian government—an EU candidate state—to respect civil society, the rule of law, and fundamental rights.

Protesters have been urging the EU to clearly state that Serbia’s current repressive measures threaten its EU accession. Despite the government’s rhetorical support for EU integration, it has failed to implement meaningful rule of law reforms. The EU must insist that Serbia address citizens’ key concerns—ensuring free and fair elections in line with the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) recommendations, combating corruption systemically and safeguarding media freedoms—as proof of its genuine commitment to the European project.

Maira Martini, CEO of Transparency International, said:

"Serbian citizens have been calling for real action against corruption and for democratic reforms — from months of protests to students appealing directly to EU institutions. Reversing the tide of government abuse and corruption in Serbia requires strong, independent institutions and a safe space for civil society to speak out without fear of retaliation. It’s time for the EU to listen and send a clear message: there can be no path to membership without genuine rule of law reform and effective implementation of anti-corruption rules."

Nick Aiossa, Director of Transparency International EU, said:

“The Serbian government is clearly failing to ensure fundamental rights and the proper functioning of democratic institutions.  With government increasing efforts to silence the protests, it is past time for the European Commission to leverage the accession process credibly to deliver fundamental change in Serbia.”

The EU has faced growing criticism for what many view as a weak response to ongoing mass protests in Serbia, where recently an estimated 300.000 people took to the streets. The student-led movement quickly gained momentum following the deadly collapse of a train station canopy in November—an incident widely seen as emblematic of deep-rooted corruption in the country. It has since evolved into a broader call for democratic reforms which are widely seen as a major challenge to President Vučić's increasingly authoritarian rule.

Notes to Editors

Serbia ranked 105 out of 180 countries on Transparency International’s corruption perceptions index for 2024.

Correction (16 April 2025): A previous version of this press release misstated the distance traveled as 1,300 km. The correct distance is 1,400 km.