Serbian Protests Against Lithium Excavation Deal With EU

A boy waves a Serbian flag during a protest in Sabac, Serbia, Monday, July 29, 2024. Thousands of people rallied in several towns in Serbia to protest a lithium excavation project the Balkan country's

Thousands of people in Serbia gathered in various towns on Monday to protest a lithium excavation project that the government recently signed with the European Union. The protests took place in Sabac, Kraljevo, Arandjelovac, Ljig, and Barajevo, following similar demonstrations in other Serbian towns in recent weeks.

The agreement, focusing on 'critical raw materials,' aims to reduce Europe's reliance on China and potentially bring Serbia closer to the EU. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz participated in the summit held in Belgrade to discuss this deal.

Despite the potential economic benefits, the project has faced strong opposition from environmentalists and opposition groups within Serbia. Critics argue that the excavation could lead to irreversible environmental damage without significant advantages for the country's citizens.

Agreement with EU aims to reduce reliance on China.

Thousands protest lithium project in Serbia.

Opposition groups fear irreversible environmental damage.

Largest lithium reserve in Serbia faces controversy.

Rio Tinto's exploration project met with resistance.

Constitutional court overturns government's decision on mining project.

Excavation activities delayed until 2028.

Government promises robust environmental guarantees.

Protesters distrust government's intentions.

The largest lithium reserve in Serbia is located in a valley abundant with fertile land and water. The multinational company Rio Tinto initiated an exploration project in the area a few years ago, which was met with significant resistance, resulting in its suspension.

However, Serbia's constitutional court recently overturned the government's decision to cancel a $2.4 billion mining project by the British-Australian mining company in the Jadar valley, allowing for its potential revival.

In response to public outcry, the Serbian government has stated that excavation activities will not commence before 2028. They have also expressed intentions to secure robust environmental guarantees before permitting any mining operations, with the possibility of a referendum on the matter.

Protesters in various Serbian towns voiced their distrust of the government and vowed to prevent the excavation from proceeding. Activists highlighted concerns about the government's motivations, accusing them of prioritizing self-interest over the well-being of citizens.

In Sabac, demonstrators waved Serbian flags and marched through the town following the rally, while in Kraljevo, chants of 'thieves, thieves' echoed through the crowd.