LYMEC Autumn Digital Assembly in Belgrade, Serbia

3 September 2025 by

Office LYMEC

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On Saturday 30 August, LYMEC gathered both online and in Belgrade for our Digital Assembly, hosted at the Office of Movement of Free Citizens. It was a hybrid event that brought together participants from across the European liberal family, highlighting the importance of youth voices in the fight against authoritarian forces.

The Assembly ran from 10:00 to 12:30 CEST, featuring a mix of speeches, panel discussions, and updates from the Bureau. The atmosphere in Belgrade was one of determination and solidarity, with both in-person and online attendees deeply engaged in the exchanges.

What We Discussed

Much of the debate centred on the situation in Serbia, where young activists are facing intimidation, surveillance, and manipulation by the regime. The panel explored:

Censorship and media inaccuracy: From corruption scandals ignored in international headlines to the dominance of PR articles over real journalism, speakers stressed the urgent need to call out misinformation and government propaganda.
Surveillance and intimidation: Activists are under constant pressure from criminal police investigations, spyware, and even blackmail campaigns. Despite this, they remain committed to open and transparent protest.
EU solidarity and support: Speakers agreed that Serbia cannot face authoritarianism alone. More consistent pressure from the EU, international media, and European student movements is essential to keep hope alive and build trust.

Who Spoke

The Assembly featured a diverse group of speakers:

Opening contributions from Ines Holzegger (LYMEC President), Pavle Grbović (PSG President, MP), and Dušan Dinić (Senior Project Manager, FNF Western Balkans).
Panel discussion “Serbian Students leading the fight against authoritarianism” with Konstantin Malaev (Activist, PSG Youth Member), Velimir Milošev (President of the Board, National Youth Council of Serbia).
The panel was chaired by Sorcha Ní Chonghaile, LYMEC Policy Officer.

The Panel Discussion

The panellists shared testimonies about repression in Serbia. They described arrests made on the basis of informal conversations, youth activists targeted with spyware, and the chilling effect of censorship on daily life. Yet their message was one of resilience: surveillance will not stop them, protests will continue, and the younger generation refuses to accept authoritarian manipulation.

The discussion also turned towards Europe, with calls for stronger EU engagement and solidarity. Speakers highlighted the role of international media and student organisations in amplifying Serbia’s struggle. As Konstantin Malaev put it, foreign support is vital when political prisoners are among the youngest members of their movement.

The Digital Assembly underlined both the harsh reality of repression in Serbia and the determination of young activists to keep fighting. It also reminded us that international solidarity is not optional but essential. LYMEC stands firmly alongside Serbian youth in their courageous struggle for democracy, freedom, and European values.