On 12 May 2025 a group of Serbian students arrived in Brussels after completing an 18-day, 2 000-kilometre relay ultramarathon from Serbia to Belgium. Their journey, dubbed ‘From My Village to Brussels’ (#trkadobrisela), aimed to raise awareness about democratic backsliding and corruption in Serbia. Their initiative has garnered international attention, highlighting the role of young people in campaigning for democratic reform.

On 13 May, the students were hosted at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) by the Vice-President for Communication Laurenţiu Plosceanu. In his welcome speech, the Vice-President commended their dedication to democratic values and civic engagement. (at)