**Student Bike Riders Arrive in Strasbourg with a Message for the Council of Europe**
A group of students, who embarked on an epic bike journey from Serbia to Strasbourg, have arrived at their destination. The riders, who pedaled over 2,000 kilometers, carried a message listing events that took place in Serbia since November 1 and the laws that were broken.
The students’ mission is not to address the European Union, but rather the Council of Europe (CoE), which they hope will provide some help. Veljko, a technical sciences student who was part of the group, explained their goals to an N1 reporter in Stuttgart.
“We are addressing an institution that Serbia is a member of, just like the EU,” Veljko said. “We’re not opposed to the powers of our state or ruining its integrity. We’re simply hoping for some help from the CoE.”
When asked who they expected to meet in Strasbourg, Veljko remained tight-lipped, saying only that the organization of their trip was handled by a team based in Novi Sad.
The students had four main goals on their journey: to make contact with universities and fellow students, speak to foreign media, reach out to people living in Europe who would support their cause, and finally, to address institutions in Strasbourg. They have already achieved the first three objectives and are now set to meet with representatives of the CoE.
Veljko’s message is clear: they are not against the Serbian government, but rather seeking help from an institution that can provide a platform for their voices to be heard. As they prepare to meet with officials in Strasbourg, the students’ determination and resilience have sparked attention and interest among European media outlets.
**What does this mean?**
The student bike riders’ journey highlights the complexities of Serbia’s relationship with the EU and the CoE. By addressing the CoE specifically, the students are seeking help from an institution that can provide a more nuanced understanding of their country’s situation. This move also underscores the students’ desire for greater transparency and accountability in the face of perceived government wrongdoing.
As the students prepare to meet with officials in Strasbourg, it remains to be seen what kind of support they will receive or what changes might come out of this effort. One thing is clear: these brave young people have already made a significant impact by bringing attention to their cause and sparking important discussions about governance and accountability.