A series of inconsistencies in the public statements of state officials does not inspire confidence that a dialogue aimed at fulfilling student demands is possible, nor would it be effective if organized between two parties that lack the mandate to discuss these demands and to whom the demands were not even addressed.
The call for dialogue comes at a time when all moral and legal norms have been exceeded, in an atmosphere of general distrust. As representatives of the University and as academic citizens, we are further discouraged from believing that the proposed dialogue is possible due to continuous attacks against the academic community in the media space, and even more brutal, unacceptable, physical attacks in public spaces.
The University of Belgrade once again insists on the fulfillment of student demands by the competent institutions and reminds that dialogue must be conducted in an atmosphere of mutual respect between all relevant actors, with trust in institutions and within the framework of individual competences.
The University of Belgrade is ready to provide expert support to students in verifying whether their demands have been met, to align its further activities in establishing social dialogue with the decisions of student plenums, and thereby preserve the unity of the University. We believe that dialogue is a key tool in building a democratic society, and as a representative of the academic community, the University of Belgrade is an important social actor and a respected interlocutor. It remains available to the public and institutions for any topic of social significance, within its competencies and expertise.
We thank you for the invitation and assure the president and the public that as long as we act in accordance with our entrusted duties and within the scope of our competencies and responsibilities, we work for the benefit of the university community, students, and society as a whole. In this spirit, we remain open to discussions, with full academic and personal responsibility.
Belgrade, February 4, 2025
The Rector’s Collegium of the University of Belgrade