Thousands of people in Serbia took to the streets in multiple towns on Monday to protest a recently signed lithium excavation project between their government and the European Union. The deal, reached earlier this month, aims to reduce Europe’s reliance on China for critical raw materials. However, critics, including environmentalists and opposition groups, argue that the project would cause irreversible damage to the environment while providing minimal benefits to Serbian citizens.
The largest lithium reserve in Serbia is located in a valley abundant in fertile land and water, sparking concerns over potential environmental destruction. The multinational Rio Tinto company had previously attempted to explore the area, leading to widespread opposition and the suspension of the project. However, Serbia’s constitutional court recently overturned the government’s decision to cancel the $2.4 billion mining project, allowing it to move forward.
President Aleksandar Vučić has assured the public that excavation will not begin until 2028 and that the government will prioritize environmental protection. Some officials are considering holding a referendum on the issue to gauge public opinion. Past protests in 2021, where major roads and bridges were blocked, highlighted the strong opposition to the project among Serbian citizens.
The protests in Savac, Kraljevo, Arandjelovac, Ljig, and Barajevo reflect the widespread discontent with the lithium excavation project and the potential environmental consequences it could bring. The government’s efforts to balance economic benefits with environmental concerns amidst growing public opposition will continue to be a contentious issue in Serbia.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com