**Students Return to Novi Sad After 1,400km Bike Ride Across Europe**
A group of 80 students who traveled over 1,400 kilometers from Serbia to Strasbourg, France on bicycles returned to their home city of Novi Sad on Friday evening. They were greeted by thousands of cheering citizens, as well as their families and loved ones.
The welcome ceremony was a spontaneous one, held earlier than planned to avoid conflicting with the Easter holidays. The students had been scheduled to meet with representatives from the Council of Europe and the European Parliament on April 22nd. Instead, they returned home on Friday, tired but triumphant after their grueling bike ride across Europe.
Students Andrea Aleksic, Pavle Milinovic, and Slobodan Knezevic spoke to N1 about their experiences on the road. They were amazed by the outpouring of support from the people of Novi Sad and expressed their gratitude for the warm welcome.
“I felt seen by someone who held a position, who wanted to talk to us without belittling us or our feelings,” said Aleksic. “For the first time, I felt heard.”
Milinovic added that the students had been treated as equals by the European officials they met in Strasbourg. “They came to listen to us, not to lecture us,” she said.
During their visit to Strasbourg, the students handed over letters to the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The letters highlighted the socio-political crisis in Serbia and expressed the students’ hopes for a better future.
The bike ride across Europe was not just a physical challenge, but also a powerful statement about the power of youth and activism. As Milinovic noted, “We’ve achieved something, but our work is far from over.”
**Analysis**
This event highlights the growing importance of youth activism in Serbia. The students’ decision to travel over 1,400 kilometers on bicycles to raise awareness about the socio-political crisis in their country demonstrates a strong sense of civic engagement and determination.
The warm welcome they received upon their return home is a testament to the power of grassroots support for social causes. It’s clear that the people of Novi Sad are eager to see change and are willing to stand behind young activists who are pushing for it.
As Aleksic noted, this experience has given them a new sense of confidence and empowerment. The students’ letters to European officials highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in Serbian politics. It’s likely that their message will resonate with many people across Europe and beyond.
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