The CEEISA reaffirms its strong commitment to academic freedom and the institutional independence of universities as essential foundations of democratic societies, open inquiry, and the advancement of knowledge.
For these reasons, we are concerned by recent attacks against the academic community in Serbia, including police raids on the Rectorate building of the University of Belgrade, which are seriously undermining university autonomy and the conditions necessary for free academic work.
This latest development is a deeply concerning culmination of pressures and attacks against students, teachers, and professors who have been demanding accountability, the rule of law, and democracy since the tragic collapse of the canopy at the Novi Sad train station in November 2024.
In line with widely shared academic principles, authorities should refrain from any actions that interfere with the independence of universities or undermine the freedom and security of scholars and students.
Universities must remain safe and independent spaces for teaching, research, and the exchange of ideas. Safeguarding these principles is a shared responsibility that underpins trust in public institutions and the resilience of democratic systems.
CEEISA expresses its solidarity with colleagues at the University of Belgrade and other public universities facing similar pressure in Serbia and with academic communities everywhere who are committed to upholding these values.
We also call upon our members, as well as the wider scholarly community engaged in international studies in Central and Eastern Europe and beyond, to express solidarity not only in words but also in actions.
The Executive Council of CEEISA
April 2026