Rectors and presidents of universities within the European university alliance Circle U., together with the Circle U. Student Union (CUSU), announced today that they stand in solidarity with the students, staff, and leadership of the University of Belgrade, which is one of the founding members of this European university alliance.
“As partners who work closely with the University of Belgrade, we cannot remain silent while the autonomy and independence of one of our members is under pressure. When academic freedom is threatened in one country, the integrity of the European academic community as a whole is undermined,” the statement reads.
They called on the authorities in Serbia to immediately cease all forms of intimidation against students, staff, and the university’s leadership; on European institutions and the governments of European countries to respond firmly and unequivocally to these developments; and on the international academic community to express solidarity with the University of Belgrade, as well as with the wider academic community in Serbia.
“Rectors and presidents of universities within the Circle U. alliance 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 cooperate with the University in order to find concrete ways to provide further support,” they stated.
They added that they express deep concern over developments that threaten institutional autonomy, academic freedom, the rule of law, and democratic principles.
“We are committed to the obligations undertaken by signing the Magna Charta Universitatum, which safeguards the freedom of research and the autonomy of universities as fundamental pillars of democratic societies. These principles guide our Alliance and form the backbone of the mission and vision of Circle U.,” the statement says.
The European Union is a co-founder of the CUSU academic network.
(Danas, 21.04.2026)