The Rectors and Presidents of Circle U. and the Circle U. Student Union (CUSU) reaffirm their strong solidarity with the students, staff, and leadership of the University of Belgrade – a founding member of our alliance. We express deep concern about developments that threaten institutional autonomy, academic freedom, the rule of law, and democratic principles.
We recall our commitments under the Magna Charta Universitatum, which upholds freedom of enquiry and university autonomy as fundamental pillars of democratic societies. These principles guide our alliance and remain central to the mission and vision of Circle U. As close partners of the University of Belgrade, we cannot remain silent when the autonomy and independence of a member university are placed under strain. Threats to academic freedom in one country affect the integrity of the European academic community as a whole.
We therefore call on:
– Serbian authorities to immediately cease all forms of intimidation against students, staff, and university leadership,
– European institutions and European governments to respond clearly and decisively,
– The international academic community to express solidarity with the University of Belgrade and the wider Serbian academic community.
The Rectors and Presidents of Circle U. and CUSU stand firmly with the students, professors, researchers, administrative staff, and leadership of the University of Belgrade. We will continue to closely monitor developments and collaborate with the university to identify concrete forms of support.
