Join a protest to annoy the far-right. And because it's better than not protesting.
Plus an open letter from Serbian students calling for justice.
Dear Editorial Team of the Green Fix,
On behalf of the Serbian Alumni of the College of Europe, it is with the deepest concern that we are writing you about the widespread student protests in Serbia. These protests are bigger than those against Slobodan Milošević in 1997, when the western media followed them with a hope that they will bring about lasting democratic change in Serbia. 24 years later, we have a new generation of students who are calling again for basic democratic and good governance principles to be respected, despite Serbia being “firmly” on its path towards EU accession.
The student demands are clear and should not be politically sensitive for any government to enact, especially not by one which has committed itself to joining the EU.
The students are calling for accountability of public institutions in the tragedy in Novi Sad which killed 15 people and injured two others, and we are yet to see any real action by the authorities in finding those responsible for the negligent public works. Moreover, there are numerous reports of people linked to the government or public authorities being sent to attack or intimidate the protesters.
The students are also calling for the protection of the rule of law and justice in Serbia, while also highlighting the urgent need for systemic changes. The right to freedom of expression and assembly are fundamental human rights, rights which Serbia is obliged to respect by its constitution and is committed to through its aspiration for EU membership and the ratification of numerous international agreements. The abuse of public institutions for the purpose of repression and the suppression of these freedoms is unacceptable. These student protests are already close to being the longest student protests in the history of Serbia (and even Yugoslavia) and are well into their second month.
As the Serbian Alumni of the College of Europe, we would be thankful if you inform the EU bubble of the dire situation faced by brave Serbian students and their pleas for more just and responsible governance.
With deepest concerns,
Serbian Alumni of the College of Europe
Letter to available to download and share on your own networks below. Follow & tag the student protests on Instagram @studenti_u_blokadi and X @studentblokade.
At The Green Fix we’re committed to sharing stories that are underreported in mainstream Western media. Feel free to contact us with your campaigns and open letters at wearethegreenfix@gmail.com or tag us on social media so we can help amplify.
What’s Going On?
The rich in LA are hiring private firefighters to save their homes from the wildfires.
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Related: Why climate activists are becoming more radicalized (and why that’s not a bad thing).
A statement from The Surge 2025
Statement from The Surge International:
On the eve of Trump's inauguration, Brussels joins other cities mobilising this 19th January to march against fascism, genocide, war and climate chaos, in ‘The Surge’.
The call for ‘The Surge’, launched two months ago, has been signed by over 200 activists and organisers from twenty territories. A protest march on the 19th of January 2025 in Brussels at 13h CET in the Place de l’Albertine, combines the struggles of antifascists, Palestinian liberation and climate justice movements. Marches are also planned in London, Lisbon, Barcelona, Bilbao, Amsterdam, Oslo, Hambourg, Innsbruck, Bucharest and more.
The Surge's manifesto states that:
Fascism cannot be stopped without ending all warfare. Fascism cannot be countered without tackling climate chaos by dismantling the fossil fuel industry. Climate chaos cannot be halted amidst fascism and war. And wars cannot be averted without suppressing the rise of fascism and ending the climate chaos, which fuels new conflicts.
The election of Trump is a central axis between three crises: the rise of far-right politics, climate breakdown, and escalating conflicts worldwide.
The coalition of activists and organisers preparing The Surge calls on the public to recognise these connected issues as different facets of the same crisis. Confronted with elite-driven policies that push humanity to the brink of collapse, they propose a united, collective response. They urge individuals and organisations to join in their cities and countries on the weekend of January 19th. Organisers anticipate further participation from cities and countries across Europe.
More information on our website and Instagram @thesurge2025.
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So Now What Do I Do?
JOIN A PROTEST
Join The Surge in an international mobilisation on 18th - 19th January.
Brussels: Join the March for Palestine on the 26th January at 13h30 from Gare du Nord.
LEARN SOMETHING
Tune in to the week of discussions on Climate Loss & Damage from 21st - 28th January, online.
Tune into this free webinar: How to create and pivot into an impact career, on 23rd January at 16h CET.
US: Climate outlet Grist is hiring Climate Solutions Fellows for a year-long training program! Apply by 21st January.
SUPPORT THE CLIMATE JUSTICE MOVEMENT
Apply to become a volunteer at The Green Fix! We’re looking for people to help with fundraising, and with events. More info when you drop us an email at wearethegreenfix@gmail.com.
Check out this masterlist of ways to help with relief for the fires in Los Angeles.
The EU campaign for safe reproduction rights for women still need signatures to get over the finish line! Sign here.
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Stay in the loop
You can follow us on Twitter @TheGreenFix, Instagram @thegreenfix_ and LinkedIn. Connect with Cass on Instagram @cass.hebron, Bluesky and LinkedIn.
I'll be joining The Surge in Oslo!