The European University Foundation is proud to welcome the University of Belgrade to its network, furthering the internationalisation of the European Higher Education Area. Founded in 1808, it is Serbia’s oldest and largest higher educational institution with approximately 100,000 students and close to 5,000 academic staff. As the newest member of the EUF network, it is also the first Serbian university in a country where academic freedom is currently under pressure.
The EUF stands for the values of academic freedom and integrity, free from political pressures or external influences that may compromise the pursuit of knowledge and critical inquiry. In light of current developments, the EUF network’s partnership with the University of Belgrade represents an unequivocal stance in support of these fundamental values in Serbia and in Europe.Humboldt University of Berlin
“The University of Belgrade’s membership highlights our strategic commitment to fostering closer integration within the European academic landscape, especially with Serbia. This step not only reaffirms our steadfast support for their academic community but also sends a strong message of our dedication to enhancing cross-border collaboration.” stated Dr. Yoan Vilain, Humboldt University of Berlin, EUF Steering Committee President.
This solidarity is particularly timely, as the global wave of democratic backsliding continues to make its impact felt across Europe and beyond. Following the tragic events in Novi Sad, which claimed 16 lives, Serbian students became the driving force behind nationwide demonstrations in November 2024. Their peaceful calls for accountability and transparency from the authorities grew into a broader movement, one that was met with repression, violence, and arbitrary arrests, and ultimately led to increased control over higher education inside the country. Since then, it is Serbian universities that are subject to political pressure and dramatic cuts in research funding and salaries, which directly affect research and education capacities.
Against the backdrop of increasingly difficult conditions in the country’s higher education institutions, the University of Belgrade and the EUF held preparatory meetings, some of which took place while university staff members were detained as part of the government’s ongoing academic crackdown. As a University network, we stand in solidarity with colleagues affected by these arrests and condemn actions that undermine academic freedom and human rights.