EUA Board calls for a resolution to the challenging situation facing Serbian universities

Massive student protests and campus blockades began in November 2024 in response to the collapse of a concrete canopy at Novi Sad train station. Since then, academic life has been profoundly affected in many universities. Considerable pressure has been exerted on universities, such as the withholding of state funding for operational costs, and the recent introduction of a new regulation restricting the amount of time academic staff at institutions can spend on research activities. This has resulted in a reduction in professors’ salaries, first to 50% in February 2025 and subsequently to 12.5% since April, which is clearly an unsustainable situation. In recent months, university students and professors protesting the situation have also faced numerous other pressures and threats.

These are clear infringements of university autonomy, which are likely to have severe consequences for universities and wider society. The restrictions negatively impact universities’ ability to collaborate internationally and weaken the knowledge base, hindering universities in carrying out their work.

Fundamental values, including institutional autonomy and academic freedom, are essential for universities to fulfil their missions and to serve society. Promoting and protecting these as preconditions for the meaningful work of universities is especially crucial in times of unrest, when there is a risk that these principles may be eroded.

In the face of these challenges, EUA expresses its support for all institutions and individuals within the Serbian higher education community that have been, or continue to be, adversely affected. The Association’s Board calls on all parties involved to engage in meaningful, peaceful and constructive dialogue, and hopes for a swift and lasting resolution to the current situation, and for the institutional autonomy of universities to be fully upheld.