University of Belgrade Rector’s College Declines Vucic’s Invitation for Talks

The Rector’s College of the University of Belgrade announced that it had reviewed the invitation for dialogue extended by the President of the Republic of Serbia on February 3 and decided not to accept it under the current circumstances.

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04.02.2025. 14:03

University of Belgrade Rector’s College Declines Vucic’s Invitation for Talks

"A series of inconsistencies in public statements by representatives of state authorities does not inspire confidence that a dialogue aimed at fulfilling students' demands is possible, nor would it be effective if conducted between two parties that lack the mandate to discuss these demands and to whom the demands were not even addressed," the statement reads.

It further states that the invitation for dialogue comes at a time when, as noted, all moral and legal norms have been breached, in an atmosphere of general distrust.

"As representatives of the University and as academic citizens, we are further discouraged by the continuous attacks against the academic community in the media sphere and, even more brutally and unacceptably, by physical assaults in public spaces," the statement continues.

The University of Belgrade reiterates its insistence that the competent institutions fulfill the students’ demands and emphasizes that dialogue must take place in an atmosphere of mutual respect among all relevant stakeholders, with trust in institutions and within the framework of individual competencies.

"The University of Belgrade is prepared to provide expert support to students in assessing the fulfillment of their demands, to align its further activities in fostering social dialogue with the decisions of student assemblies, and thereby to preserve the unity of the University," the statement affirms.

Additionally, the Rector’s College asserts that dialogue is a fundamental tool for building a democratic society and that the University of Belgrade, as a representative of the academic community, an important societal actor, and a respected interlocutor, remains available to the public and institutions for discussions on any socially significant issue, within the limits of its jurisdiction and expertise.

"We appreciate the invitation and assure both the President and the public that as long as we act in accordance with our entrusted duties and within the scope of our competencies, we are working for the benefit of the university community, students, and society as a whole. In this spirit, we remain open to discussions, with full academic and personal responsibility," the Rector’s College emphasized in its statement.

On Tuesday, the President of Serbia invited the Rector’s College of the University of Belgrade to begin a dialogue on February 5, at a time of their choosing, to find a solution to the ongoing situation, in which classes remain suspended. He stressed that he was extending the invitation "for the benefit not only of young people but of society as a whole."

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