KOMS informs the public that members of the KOMS team, together with representatives of several national youth councils from the region and European Union countries, were attacked in Belgrade during the night between April 9 and 10, 2025.

From April 7 to 11, 2025, KOMS was the host of the meeting of the Southern National Youth Councils within the European Youth Forum. During a visit and a walk through Belgrade, a group of young men attacked the youth representatives, shouting: “Whoever isn’t jumping is a plenum.” After the members of our group did not respond to the provocation (and refused to jump), the group of young men began kicking them and getting aggressively in their faces.

Due to his specific accent when speaking Serbian, our colleague from Slovenia was knocked to the ground. This was followed by spitting and insults implying that members of our group were of Croatian nationality — even though none of those present were from the Republic of Croatia.

However, the incident was stopped after the intervention of one of the attackers, after which they got into a car and left. The entire case was reported to the police, along with evidence enabling the identification of the perpetrators. We are awaiting further action by the relevant authorities.

The 2024 Alternative Report on the Position and Needs of Youth showed that 52% of young people believe that violence can be justified.

Belgrade is a beautiful city, and Serbia is a wonderful country that we want to show to the world — a place where we want to host all our friends from different European countries and beyond, without fear that their safety will be put at risk.

Sincerely, young people whose safety has already been put at risk.