A New Generation of Freedom Fighters

Liberal Awards 2025 celebrates the Serbian student movement, the new generation of freedom fighters.

Liberal Awards 2025

One year has passed since the tragic collapse of the Novi Sad railways station canopy but the nationwide protests exposing corruption and government negligence is still ongoing. In the last year, the Serbian students turned grief into courage, protest into purpuse, reminding Europe that freedom is not given but fought for every single day.

The European Liberal Forum proudly hosted the 5th edition of the Liberal Awards this past weekend at the ALDE Party Congress, shining a light on those who refuse to stay silent, who lead with integrity, and who remind us why liberal values matter now more than ever.

This year’s Liberal of the Year Award was presented to Srdjan Djuric, Davor Stefanović, and Mladen Cvijetić, Serbian youth activists of the Serbian PSG Youth (Movement of Free Citizens).

Their courage reminded the world that democracy is not a given – it is fought for every day. Yet this powerful stand came at a personal cost: they were placed under house arrest. Symbolically, their release coincided with the day of the Liberal Awards, where Jelena Banjac, President of PSG Youth, accepted the award on their behalf. Their determination has reignited hope across Serbia and stands as a powerful reminder that the fight for transparency, justice, and democracy is far from over. Their story is proof that young liberals can shape a freer future, even under the most repressive circumstances.

This award is a stark reminder that Serbia’s path toward EU accession is still ongoing. The courage and activism of the PSG Youth illustrates that freedom shouldn’t be a distant dream, but a living process driven by citizens who embody democratic ideals every day. As long as voices like theirs refuse to give in to fear, the vision of a free, democratic, and European Serbia remains within reach.

At the Liberal Awards Ceremony, the Rising Star Award was presented to Ines Holzegger, Member of the Austrian Parliament and the President of LYMEC. Ines has become a powerful voice for young liberals across Europe, defending digital rights, privacy, and freedom in an age where both are increasingly under threat. Her leadership embodies a new generation of liberal changemakers: bold, principled, and forward-looking.

These awards are more than recognition, they are a reminder that liberalism lives through action. From the digital frontlines to the streets of Belgrade, Europe’s liberals continue to stand up for truth, freedom, and accountability. And as long as there are those willing to speak out, the liberal flame will not fade.