Ongoing Protests at the University of Belgrade Against Education Reforms
Students and faculty continue to block a major intersection in Belgrade, demanding changes in higher education legislation.
On June 9, 2025, the ongoing protests by members of the academic community, students, and citizens supporting the 'Pobunjeni univerzitet' ('Rebel University') movement entered their sixth day outside the Government of Serbia.
Protesters have set up tents and barriers around the intersection of Kneza Miloša and Nemanjine streets, which remains blocked to traffic.
Initially, representatives of the 'Rebel University' delivered demands to the Serbian government, calling for the disbandment of the Working Group tasked with drafting a new Higher Education Law.
They also requested the repeal of the modified Regulation on University Work Standards and the establishment of budget quotas for university admissions to be finalized by the end of June.
In response, the Serbian government has rescinded the decision regarding the establishment of the Working Group to analyze the current situation concerning funding and the performance of higher education institutions, as well as the drafting of the higher education law.
Prime Minister Đuro Macut announced that during a fourth meeting with rectors and deans, it was agreed that operations would commence within six weeks.
He indicated that this period would include four weeks dedicated to concluding the winter semester and initiating the summer semester, along with conducting an exam session.
Macut assured that a new generation of first-year students would be able to enroll in their respective faculties and that budget quotas would be defined by the end of June, reflecting previous agreements from the year prior.
He emphasized that there would be a single enrollment period instead of multiple, and discussions would ensue regarding the timing of enrollment based on the academic activity schedule.
Regarding the suspension of the Regulation on University Work Standards, he clarified that it would effectively be put on hold once universities resume operations, stating, 'If the process of work begins, the same regulation practically has no effect'.
He also mentioned that compensation for work performed would adhere to previous arrangements.
As protests continue, the situation remains fluid, with university closures affecting student experiences and the broader educational landscape in Serbia.
Protesters have set up tents and barriers around the intersection of Kneza Miloša and Nemanjine streets, which remains blocked to traffic.
Initially, representatives of the 'Rebel University' delivered demands to the Serbian government, calling for the disbandment of the Working Group tasked with drafting a new Higher Education Law.
They also requested the repeal of the modified Regulation on University Work Standards and the establishment of budget quotas for university admissions to be finalized by the end of June.
In response, the Serbian government has rescinded the decision regarding the establishment of the Working Group to analyze the current situation concerning funding and the performance of higher education institutions, as well as the drafting of the higher education law.
Prime Minister Đuro Macut announced that during a fourth meeting with rectors and deans, it was agreed that operations would commence within six weeks.
He indicated that this period would include four weeks dedicated to concluding the winter semester and initiating the summer semester, along with conducting an exam session.
Macut assured that a new generation of first-year students would be able to enroll in their respective faculties and that budget quotas would be defined by the end of June, reflecting previous agreements from the year prior.
He emphasized that there would be a single enrollment period instead of multiple, and discussions would ensue regarding the timing of enrollment based on the academic activity schedule.
Regarding the suspension of the Regulation on University Work Standards, he clarified that it would effectively be put on hold once universities resume operations, stating, 'If the process of work begins, the same regulation practically has no effect'.
He also mentioned that compensation for work performed would adhere to previous arrangements.
As protests continue, the situation remains fluid, with university closures affecting student experiences and the broader educational landscape in Serbia.
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