Croatia’s Osijek welcomes Serbian students on relay run to Brussels

As the runners crossed the line, the crowd erupted in cheers, chanting “Pump it!”—a rallying cry of the Serbian student protest movement. Banners waved high, displaying slogans like “Pump it” and “One world, one fight.”

Lana, a student at the event, spoke to N1 about the heartfelt reception. “This welcome is just perfect,” she said. “I can’t even put it into words. It’s something truly special.”

“Some victories are won by storming forward, but we have to run because time is running out. We’re fighting, and that’s all we have left,” she added.

The marathoners were awarded medals engraved with the words “Student Supporting Student, Osijek 2025,” symbolizing solidarity.

Uros Obradovic, a law student from the University of Belgrade, told N1, “Nothing is too hard for this cause. The race was tough, but with a welcome like this, it all feels worth it.”

Another student runner echoed the sentiment, saying, “No one’s tired. We’re thrilled to be here and already gearing up for the next leg.”

In Osijek, local students organized food, drinks, and accommodations for the runners. Petra, a member of the Osijek-based “Student Supporting Student” initiative, explained to N1, “As soon as we heard students from Belgrade and Novi Sad were running to Brussels, we sprang into action. Many Osijek organizations and residents pitched in, donating food and drinks. Several locals even offered their homes to host the runners.”

Some students will stay in a hostel, while others will spend the night with residents who opened their doors to support what Petra called “these brave students running to Brussels.”

Reflecting on the broader movement, Petra said, “This entire student campaign, alongside the citizens’ efforts in Serbia, is a huge inspiration. They’re a shining example of what solidarity and perseverance can achieve. In a word: inspiring.”

The relay ultramarathon, dubbed From My Village to Brussels, began Friday morning in Belgrade. The students aim to reach Brussels by May 12, coinciding with a European Parliament session addressing the situation in Serbia. Their run follows the journey of some 80 Serbian students and supporters who cycled from Novi Sad to Strasbourg, home to both the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, to draw attention to the current situation in Serbia.