Members of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, alongside the embassies of EU member states, marched through the streets of Belgrade under the slogans #EUForAll and United in Diversity, in a tradition of joining participants at this year’s Belgrade Pride.

” I am truly honoured to join Belgrade Pride this year, standing side by side with the LGBTIQ+ community in Serbia. For me, this isn’t just about representing the European Union—it’s about showing solidarity to a community that deserves to live and love freely, without fear or prejudice.,” she said Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of Delegation.

Halacheva emphasised that the European Union deeply believes in the values of equality, dignity, and respect for all people.

“We stand with the LGBTIQ+ community. The EU will continue to support Serbia in creating a society where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live openly and proudly. Together, we can achieve a more inclusive future for everyone”, said the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia.

The Pride March is the main event of “Pride Week”, which this year is held under the slogan “Pride is people”, and traditionally started from Manjež Park. After a walk through the main city streets, passed by the Government Headquarters and Assembly buildings, the column returned to Manjež Park for the party.

Minister for European Integration Tanja Miščević was one of four representatives of the Government of Serbia at this year’s Pride.

She stated that the Law on Same-Sex Unions is under discussion, adding that it concerns protecting the rights of a number of citizens who should have the same rights as others.

“The clear message of today’s gathering is that the right of every individual in the country is sacred,” said the minister.

The demands that the LGBT+ community in Serbia have been making for the eleventh time are the passing of laws on same-sex unions and gender identity, as well as the faster processing of cases of violence against LGBT people and others.

Director of Belgrade Pride, Goran Miletić, stated before the start of the Pride Walk that this year a significantly larger number of people passed the checkpoints compared to previous years, leading to expectations of the largest turnout so far.

Miletić told journalists that the demands remain the same as in previous years, with the key ones being institutional responses to discrimination and violence against the LGBT community, as well as the adoption of the Law on Same-Sex Unions.

In 2020, the European Commission adopted the Strategy for LGBTIQ+ Equality, demonstrating its commitment to building a Union of Equality.

The EU also works to bring together member states and other stakeholders at all levels to combat discrimination against LGBTIQ+ persons, ensure their safety, foster inclusive societies, and promote equality globally.

At the opening of Pride Week, the ambassador of EU to Serbia Emanuele Giaufret reiterated the EU’s support for equality and its firm stance against discrimination and human rights violations.

“Pride Week is a week of dialogue. This event is dedicated to the rights of everyone—not to be discriminated against, to live with dignity in accordance with their own choices, and to love whomever they wish to love,” said Giaufrt.