The whirlpool of Belgrade’s EuroPride: Russophilia and Russian influence in Serbia
The EuroPride events in Belgrade and all the marches against it became a mirror for all the divisions in Serbian society: between democratic and authoritarian currents, between the European Union and Russia, and between the archetypal West and East. This renewed clash was driven not just by the ruling regime, but a level of Russian influence and Russophilia seen rarely in any other European country.
Among all the capitals of South-Eastern Europe, Belgrade received the honour of organising the first EuroPride outside the borders of the European Union. What should have been a peaceful week of equality, liberal values and tolerance in modern societies, turned into a nightmare of violence, incidents and clashes on the streets of Serbia’s capital. The anti-pride protest marches overwhelmed the streets, casting a shadow of imaginary tradition, clericalism and nationalism.
Among all the capitals of South-Eastern Europe, Belgrade received the honour of organising the first EuroPride outside the borders of the European Union. What should have been a peaceful week of equality, liberal values and tolerance in modern societies, turned into a nightmare of violence, incidents and clashes on the streets of Serbia’s capital. The anti-pride protest marches overwhelmed the streets, casting a shadow of imaginary tradition, clericalism and nationalism.
December 7, 2022 -
Filip Mirilović
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Hot TopicsIssue 6 2022Magazine
EuroPride took place in Belgrade between September 12th and 18th this year. However, instead of a pride walk acting as a culmination for the whole event, LGBTQ+ participants and supporters were allowed only to have a symbolic walk of just a couple of hundred metres, while constantly being guarded by the police. Photo: Bobica10 / Shutterstock
