European Contexts
Conversation with professors: Slobodan G. Markovich, Faculty of Political Science, University of Belgrade; Jelena Kleut, Department of Media studies, University of Novi Sad, and students: Luka Opruc, Communication and PR, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad and Ivona Markovic, School of Journalism, Faculty of Political Science, University of Belgrade.
When: Monday 16 June 2025, 9:30-11:30 CEST
Where: in-person, Presseclub Concordia, Bankgasse 8, 1010 Vienna AND via Zoom
Registration is mandatory. Registration deadline: Sunday, 15 June 2025 at 12:00CEST
There are two ways to follow this seminar:
- Presseclub Concordia attendance - Registration!
- Zoom participation - Registration!
Speakers and Format
Slobodan G. Markovich is a full professor of Political and Cultural Anthropology and Political History of Southeast Europe at the Faculty of Political Science, University of Belgrade, and the Institute of European Studies. He has been doing field research on student protests.
Jelena Kleut is an associate professor at the Department of Media studies, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad. Her main research interests involve media texts and audiences with the focus on political communication and digital environment. She has been an active supporter of protests.
Luka Opruc, second year student of Communication and PR, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad and an active protest participant since November 2024.
Ivona Markovic, second year student of journalism, Faculty of Political Science, University of Belgrade.
Format
Moderated conversation followed by Q&A.
Moderator
Mirjana Tomic fjum/Presseclub Concordia
Background
Student protests emerged in Serbia after a train station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad, on November 1, 2024. Fourteen bystanders were killed at the spot, and two persons died of injuries later. Students demanded responsibility and have expanded their demands to include respect of the rule of law and proper functioning of public institutions. By 2025, their movement was transformed into the student and civic protests. By February 2025, more than 300 towns and cities organized protests that supported students and voiced various forms of dissatisfaction with the Serbian authorities. Student protests are non-violent. Their method consists of targeted blocking of streets, roads, and institutions, including universities. They do not identify with political parties and have managed to bridge political, cultural, and ethnic divisions. The spread of the movement led to the March rally in Belgrade that gathered unprecedented 300,000 persons. Currently, they demand parliamentary elections.
What can be expected from the biggest student movement in Europe since 1968?
Target Groups
Austrian and international journalists, thinktank analysts, and academics.
Number of participants in Presseclub Concordia
Maximum: 70
Number on online participants
Maximum: 100