A group of brave Serbian university students are currently undertaking an incredible 800-mile cycling journey from Novi Sad to Strasbourg. Their mission is vital: to raise international awareness about growing corruption and democratic decline in Serbia and to directly appeal to the Council of Europe for support.

We have a crucial opportunity to amplify their voices. Below is the letter we are urging UK delegates at the Council of Europe to react. We need to gather as many signatures as possible before the students arrive in Strasbourg on April 15th, 2025, to show the strength of our support.

Let's show Europe that the UK stands united with these determined young people in their pursuit of a better future. Your signature can make a real difference.

Sign the petition and share it widely with your networks!

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Full text of the letter to UK Delegates at the Council of Europe:

 

Dear Delegates to the Council of Europe,

We are writing to you as citizens and residents of the United Kingdom, and as fellow Europeans. As a vibrant part of the UK's diverse society, the Serbian diaspora here cares deeply about democracy, transparency, and the rights of young people across our shared continent.

A group of approximately 80 Serbian university students are currently undertaking an inspiring and arduous journey, cycling over 800 miles from Novi Sad to Strasbourg. Their goal, as reported by the Associated Press (AP News) and highlighted by European Western Balkans, is to draw international attention to the growing corruption and democratic decline in their home country and to appeal directly to the Council of Europe for support and recognition. These articles underscore the students' determination and the increasing concern within Europe regarding the situation in Serbia, stemming from issues like the tragic Novi Sad railway station canopy collapse and broader discontent with the rule of law.

They began their journey on April 3rd and are expected to arrive in Strasbourg on April 15th, 2025. Over nearly two weeks, they will pass through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany, powered only by their determination, belief, and hope in European values. Their initiative and demands directly align with the Council of Europe's fundamental commitment to upholding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law across its member states – values that resonate deeply within our community in the UK.

These young people are not just protesting—they are hoping. Hoping that Europe sees them. Hoping that their peaceful, courageous journey will be met with solidarity and action. Their ride is a powerful symbol of endurance, conviction, and faith in the very institutions they are cycling towards.

We respectfully urge you to meet with a representative group of the students upon their arrival in Strasbourg on April 15th. Furthermore, we implore you to issue a strong public statement acknowledging their courageous efforts and clearly expressing solidarity with their pursuit of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Serbia. By actively engaging with these students and publicly supporting their cause, the UK delegation can reaffirm the Council of Europe's core principles and demonstrate the United Kingdom's unwavering commitment to these values within the European context. We also ask that you give due consideration to any information or appeals they may present regarding the human rights situation in Serbia and actively raise their concerns and the broader issues of democratic decline and corruption in Serbia in relevant Council of Europe discussions and forums.

They are riding for their future, a future that aligns with the very principles this Council champions. Please do not let them ride alone.

We would be happy to provide you with further information about the students' initiative and the context of their concerns in Serbia. Please let us know if there is a point of contact within your delegation for further discussion.

With deepest respect and hope,

(Signatures from those who digitally sign the petition will be automatically added)