​02.04.2025

1,300 Kilometres for Democracy

by Eyes & Ears of Europe

On April 3rd, Serbian students began their bike tour to Strasbourg – 1,300 kilometres of protest against repression. Not marketing. But a clear statement.

Looking beyond our usual scope: Why we’re highlighting the “Tour de Strasbourg” Normally, our focus lies on topics like communication, design, advertising, and media. But sometimes, something happens that shouldn’t just pass by unnoticed – even if it doesn't immediately seem to fall within our field. The “Tour de Strasbourg” is one of those cases.

The reason we’re covering this protest is that democratic values and social engagement are close to the heart of our board as well. Tilo Fischer, a member of our board, brought this action to our attention and asked us to report on it. We know that many of our members are involved in NGO campaigns and that political thinking and action play an important role in our industry.

The 80 students from across Serbia who embarked on their 1,300-kilometre journey at the beginning of April are using this tour to raise awareness for the political crisis in their home country. They are calling attention to corruption, abuse of power, and the dismantling of democratic structures. Their goal is to reach European institutions like the Council of Europe and the European Parliament and to demand democratic solidarity.

Why are we covering this topic here? Because communication doesn’t just take place in campaigns or brand identities – it also happens when people stand up, show up, and raise their voices – sometimes quietly, sometimes uncomfortably. The students’ bike tour is a public statement against indifference, a call for all of us to pay attention and take responsibility. Especially in times when authoritarian tendencies are on the rise, we must not silently accept that terms like democracy, freedom of the press, and the rule of law are becoming increasingly hollow.

We don’t need to have all the answers – but we can pay attention and use the space we have to amplify voices that might otherwise go unheard.

More information about the tour, the background of the protests, and the students’ arrival in Strasbourg: https://de.turadostrazbura.rs/