Statement on recent developments at the University of Belgrade

01 April 2026 | From UNICA

UNICA is deeply worried about the recent developments in Serbia. Yesterday’s intervention of the Criminal Police Directorate at the Rectorate building of the University of Belgrade – which took place without prior notification or a clear explanation of the legal basis and scope of such intervention and was broadcasted live by pro-government television – is deeply concerning.

The tragic death of a student last 26th March should have led to a transparent and legally grounded investigation. Instead, it appears to have been used as a pretext for intrusive police actions on university premises.

We stand in solidarity with the University of Belgrade, an active member of UNICA, in its efforts to preserve academic freedom and the autonomy of the university. We acknowledge and deeply regret the tremendous coercion that students, academic and administrative staff members, researchers, and the university’s leadership have been subject to, not only on this occasion, but in the last one year and half.

We urge other UNICA member universities, as well as the competent national and European authorities, to closely monitor the situation and take all appropriate measures to ensure respect for academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and the rule of law.

As a community of universities, we also express our availability to engage constructively with all relevant actors to contribute to efforts aimed at upholding academic freedom and institutional autonomy across Europe.