Joveva MEP presented Lighthouse award

Speaking at the presentation ceremony in Belgrade, Joveva said that that she sees the light at the end of the tunnel. “That light are the students and citizens of Serbia who are fighting for something that should be normal but is not,” she said. She added that she finds it very hard to accept the fact that there is no justice, not just in Serbia but in the world. “There are people who will fight. I will fight to final day because I know how important this is… I believe in good, I believe in justice and I know this struggle is not in vain,” she said.

The annual Lighthouse Award is was started in 2023 by Belgrade Center for Security Policy (BCBP) for individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, integrity, and commitment to the public good. A press release said that Joveva was selected as one of the most consistent European voices for democracy, justice, and civil freedoms. “The Lighthouse Award is presented to Irena Joveva for her persistent, courageous, and principled commitment to democracy and justice, both within the European Parliament and in the broader public sphere. She was among the few European voices who consistently drew attention to the protests in Serbia and to the struggle of students and citizens fighting for justice, dignity, and democratic freedoms. Through her public engagement, Joveva demonstrated profound solidarity with all who oppose injustice, emphasizing that the fight for human rights is not a local cause but a universal obligation. In her writing and public statements, she has repeatedly stressed that the European Union cannot remain silent when democratic values are threatened, and that the credibility of its institutions depends on their willingness to support brave citizens,” the press release said.