With European and Serbian flags raised high in the heart of Belgrade, young people from across the continent gathered to send a clear and united message: “Serbia is Europe, Europe is Serbia”. This clearly was an uncommon sight, and felt historic for many. The pro-European rally, organised during the Spring Federal Committee (FC) of JEF Europe, became a defining moment of the weekend. Under the slogan participants marched through the city centre, standing up for democracy, the rule of law, and European unity – joined by approximately 150 others, young and old. 

Our demonstration of solidarity came at a time when democratic values face increasing pressure across the continent. In a context marked by political polarisation and tensions in EU–Serbia relations, our action highlighted the important role of civil society in keeping the European perspective of candidate countries alive. And we also made clear: fundamental rights and freedoms are at the core of the European project and cannot be compromised. 

Beyond taking to the streets, our spring FC served as our organisation’s key statutory and political gathering, bringing together representatives from across JEF Europe’s sections. At the opening ceremony, we were joined by Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the EU delegation to Serbia, the Secretary General of the European Movement Serbia, Dragana Đurica, and other representatives of Serbian civil society, and representatives of the Student Movement. 

“Being in Serbia one week after the fall of Victor Orbán in Hungary, shows a strong political message that democracies can fight back. We were in Belgrade not only for our federalist discussions, but also to stand ready as European partners for all Serbians. We will stand side by side in your struggle for democracy”, says Moritz Hergl, President of JEF Europe. 

Over the course of the weekend, delegates engaged in strategic discussions, adopted internal decisions, and debated the organisation’s political direction. The delegates also voted Francesca Marini as the new co-chair of the Presidium of the FC, after Nikos Chircop resigned a few weeks ago. The FC adopted several resolutions, including on migration, our stance on a two-speed Europe and on the Eastern Partnership. Congratulations also to JEF Italy for presenting a successful bid to host the spring FC in 2027. Finally, we are more than grateful to our amazing hosts of JEF Serbia who made our experience a blast.

Before the FC, we organised a Democracy under Pressure Lab, focussing on how democratic actors can be targeted online, and what can be done against it. Through expert input and practical group work, participants developed ideas on how to strengthen fact-based public discourses and deepen cooperations.

Together, the rally, the Federal Committee, and the DuP Lab illustrated the strength of transnational youth cooperation at a critical moment for Europe. In Belgrade, JEF Europe once again demonstrated that the fight for democracy and a united Europe does not stop at the borders of the European Union. It is a shared responsibility across the entire continent.