diplomatic international journalist –
editor at REUC digital magazine
Member of the European Parliament Irena Joveva, vice president of the political group Renew Europe, sitting in the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Internal Affairs and the Subcommittee on Public Health, was one of the three parliamentarians on the committee to welcome student cyclists in Strasbourg.
She gained great popularity in Serbia after she bowed to Serbian students in the European Parliament, and thanks to the publication of that video by the „Pravo u centar“ portal on their Instagram account. The video of her bowing to students in Serbia received over two million views and that number is still growing. After the interview with Irena Joveva, the audience had the opportunity to learn about her political involvement, as well as an explanation of why she bowed to Serbian students.
After welcoming the Serbian students, there is a procedure for further consideration by the European Parliament on the political crisis in Serbia. This is precisely why the REUC team sought additional answers to key questions and got an exclusive interview with Irena Joveva.
Journalist: How was the meeting with Serbian students in Strasbourg, considering that you were part of the selected delegation that welcomed and spoke to them?
Irena Joveva: “The moment the students arrived at their final destination in Strasbourg, riding their bicycles, was profoundly emotional. First and foremost, for them, of course, but also for the diaspora and their supporters who were with them, whether physically or through (social) media. I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t emotional for me as well—not just as a parliamentarian, not just as a mother, but as someone who grew up in Slovenia in a working-class family of Macedonian-Bulgarian origin where true values were always known, and as a young woman who still vividly remembers her university days. It was a beautiful period—until, suddenly, it wasn’t. This isn’t a story about me, so I won’t delve into the details, but as a twenty-year-old, I didn’t just fight—I persevered. That’s why their struggle, in a certain sense, reminds me of mine. These aren’t battles for the exact same things, of course—I was never in their situation and don’t intend to compare—but at the end of the day, I can say that all of these are battles of young people for a brighter future.
Now, as I watch these young people, who in their fight for a better tomorrow have managed to mobilize both young and old alike—as I observe the overall situation and their persistence—I, as someone who never does anything out of force or ‘for formality,’ as someone who understands the responsibility of my position…how could I not help them? How, when these people are fighting for a brighter future for all of us, for the future of my own child as well?
Honestly, it wasn’t easy to organize the delegation and meetings during the week leading up to the holidays, but it was evident how much it meant to them. I know it was worth it—not for me, not for them alone, but for the entirety of their story and the reasons these young people even embarked on such a commendable initiative.
Our conversation with them was factual and deeply substantial. They shared everything with us, and we (my colleague from Croatia, my colleague from France, and I) sincerely told them how things stand. I can only repeat what I told them: their fight is far from easy, and their goals won’t be achieved overnight. They may think, at one point, ‘this is it,’ but even then, it won’t yet be ‘it.’ Before reaching their goal, before things get better, they’ll face even worse than what’s happening now. Unfortunately. And all this is because Serbia has been under an autocratic regime for years, and autocrats are at their worst when they feel threatened. That’s precisely what’s happening right now.
This isn’t about choosing sides—whether politicians or students—that’s fundamentally irrelevant to me. But, of course, I stand firmly on the side of values like human rights, the rule of law, democracy, and transparency. This is what we discussed with the students—it was honest, perhaps even harsh, but above all, it was useful and important.„
Journalist: What will happen next with the reports that the students have handed to you in written form?
Irena Joveva: “Yes, the students gave us a report detailing everything that has occurred since November 1 onwards. I haven’t opened the envelope, because I’m among those who already know exactly what’s inside, and because I’m among those who don’t pretend to be deaf or blind, who don’t act and whose economic and/or personal interests aren’t placed above the interests of people and their fundamental rights—the rights of democracy and literally everything the European Union stands for.
We are currently waiting for a date to meet with the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, to whom we will deliver the envelope. I want to be clear: unfortunately, I cannot give you more details at this moment, but what is most important—and factual—is that this meeting will take place, as soon as we coordinate the date and time with the President.„
Journalist: What was the reaction of other parliamentarians, and will there be a public discussion regarding this action by Serbian students?
Irena Joveva: „I honestly think that the best explanation came from the reaction of my French colleague, Fabienne Keller. She was the longtime mayor of Strasbourg and is a highly experienced politician who has held prominent positions. Before the students’ arrival, I naturally explained the situation to her, but hearing about it from someone else is not the same as seeing and experiencing it firsthand. She was genuinely surprised and shocked by everything the students shared with her. She continues to talk to me about it in a very positive way, inspired by the students and their fight.
You see, we moved step by step—just like the students. I’m well aware that certain things simply cannot happen overnight. It’s far more important not to give up, but also not to overreach—as they say, slow and steady wins the race. The key is to keep going and to create pressure, but in a democratic and respectful way. To show that you are better and, above all, a bigger person. The greater the pressure, the greater the reaction—on both sides. And this is how, slowly but surely, we’ve reached greater and greater attention around everything happening in Serbia.
Next week, during the plenary session in Strasbourg, we will not only discuss the situation in Serbia but will also vote on the report on the rule of law in Serbia. In my opinion, the report encompasses all key aspects and rightly criticizes Vučić’s authoritarian system. My team and I have prepared several amendments, mostly in the areas of the rule of law and fundamental rights, and I was glad to see that my proposals were included in the report. The current situation is unsustainable, and I believe the report will be appropriately sharp, with recommendations that need to be accepted and implemented in practice.
In the week after Strasbourg, on May 14, we will hold a debate in Brussels within the European Parliament’s Human Rights Committee on the situation in Serbia. Present at this debate will also be the student runners, who will have the opportunity to explain everything firsthand.
These are all important steps of discussion and significant moves by the European Parliament. And I believe that, if all EU member states and the European Commission were to take this stance and defend it uncompromisingly, we could finally make some positive changes. It’s really simple: certain people in the EU need to stop allowing Vučić to present himself as a statesman, as everyone should realize that his regime is corrupt and authoritarian, with no place in the developed democratic world.“
Journalist: We have seen limited reactions from Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, regarding the overall situation. We also reported that you personally initiated a letter signed by several MEPs. Has she responded to your open letter, and if so, what was her reaction?
Irena Joveva: „President von der Leyen has not responded, and I didn’t expect an immediate reply. However, this lady must understand that I do not accept being ignored, especially since everything I do is out of care for our European Union and everything it represents—unfortunately, often only on paper. I refuse to let that become normal or acceptable. My determination is unyielding, and when I fight for something, I see it through. So, trust me, President von der Leyen will respond—it’s just a matter of time.
We must be honest: it is time for a radical change in the Union’s policy toward the Western Balkans, where there can be no compromise on the fundamental principles of democratic society. Every piece of news and every development related to media repression, demonstrator repression, harassment, the use of sonic weapons, violence, and everything else is heading in a very wrong direction. The people are not to blame—the problem lies with the government.“
Journalist: Certain political analysts call the student protests in Serbia the largest democratic protests in Europe today. Do Serbian students influence European politics, considering that the European Union aspires to democratic societies, while EU citizens observe the double standards of some EU politicians?
Irena Joveva: „The student protests in Serbia are certainly a powerful expression of democratic spirit and the desire of young people for a fairer, freer society. They demonstrate that there is a generation that believes in values such as the rule of law, media freedom, and the protection of human rights—values that are also the foundation of the European Union.
While the protests are primarily about Serbia’s internal issues, their impact is being felt beyond its borders. This is evident through significant international media interest in the topic. Many prominent figures, both from the region and globally, have recognized and supported the students. Similarly, after the tragedy at a nightclub in Kočani, North Macedonia, we saw similar protests by young people against corruption, inspired directly by the protests in Novi Sad.
Although some high-ranking European officials might prefer to turn a blind eye, the students, with their innovative approaches—such as cycling to Strasbourg or the marathon to Brussels currently underway—are drawing attention to themselves whether others like it or not. Through their enthusiasm, engagement, and desire for a better and fairer society, the students remind European leaders that supporting democracy and combating corruption in the Western Balkans region is vital not only for the future of Serbia and neighboring countries but also for the credibility of the European Union itself.“
Journalist: The European Union has introduced new anti-corruption laws. Can these radically change Europe’s political landscape?
Irena Joveva: „Undoubtedly, key anti-corruption legislative proposals and measures will reduce or complicate corruption within the European Union. We have made significant progress in recent years, including the Whistleblowers Directive, the Public Procurement Directive, the Anti-Money Laundering Directive, and, of course, the establishment of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and the implementation of the Rule of Law Conditionality Regulation to reduce EU funds in cases of corruption or violations of the rule of law. Additionally, with the strengthened European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and the EPPO, we are now in the process of creating the European Anti-Money Laundering Authority (AMLA).
Corruption is the cancer of democratic systems, sustaining authoritarian governments and eroding citizens’ trust in democratic society. While we have made great strides in the EU regarding institutions and legislation, much more effort will be needed to eradicate corruption. The most crucial thing will be enforcing the aforementioned legislation, along with fostering the political culture of individual member states and individuals themselves, as well as the robustness of control and balance systems like independent judiciaries, agencies, and media, which also play a significant role.
At the end of the day, and I must say this clearly, regardless of all laws, even the strictest ones, politics ultimately stands or falls on integrity. It comes down to the individual, you know.“
Journalist: New media laws are also coming into force in the European Union, promising greater transparency in the work of politicians and the media. Are these steps toward stronger democracy, and do citizens have greater confidence in the future of the European Union?
Irena Joveva: „Absolutely. Independent media are a cornerstone of democratic society and must not be subjected to political influence. Personally, I played a key role in the legislative dossier of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), and if it is implemented as written, it will introduce many safeguards against political capture of the media, reveal hidden owners, ensure 100% advertising transparency, and create a fairer ‘playing field’ for online media. We have often—or still—seen cases where government parties attempt to subjugate public media. Similarly, influential businessmen purchase reputable media outlets for political influence, undermining editorial independence.
With various rules and legally binding legislation at the EU level, we have created strong safeguards to ensure this will no longer be possible and/or that all of it will be made public, giving journalists legal opportunities to defend their independence.
These steps are absolutely geared toward increasing citizens’ trust in the European Union, and I claim that no other place in the world has such ambitious legislation. Of course, we need to see these measures in practice, but in theory, the field of media freedom is now very well regulated at the European level. We all must strive for free media because there will always be those who seek to subjugate them for political goals or partial interests. Journalism is a public good, and it must remain so.“
