The European Commission made a decision to include the "Jadar" project in projects of strategic importance. What reactions have been received so far? What does the government say, what does the profession say, and what do the activists say? And how many citizens of Serbia oppose this project
In a short period of time, the government tried three different strategies on the issue of lithium, ranging from aggressive imposition to quietly sidestepping the issue, and the epilogue was the same each time - a further decline in support for the lithium mining project in Serbia. Practically, the political, demographic and social corps of the ruling party (that is, the coalition) represents the only remaining stronghold and bastion of the lithium mining project. But even there, there is a noticeable degree of vacillation and shedding
The German company "Zinwald Lithium" presented plans for the exploitation of lithium on the border with the Czech Republic. This is followed by the persuasion of local environmental activists, who in turn announce that they want to connect with opponents of lithium mining from Serbia.
While a German company plans to mine lithium in Zinwald, local residents fear for the preservation of nature, their homes and the tourist economy. A decision is coming that could change the future of this region
Because of the lithium deal between Serbia and Germany, would our country make an ecological sacrifice for the sake of the German economic boom? And would Germany thus become dependent on Serbia? German economist Claudia Kaempfert, who deals with energy and environmental protection, talks about this
In recent months, after the resurrection of the "Jadar" project, the struggle of activists against lithium mining has escalated. After they managed to get a good part of Serbia back on its feet, counter-activists appeared, gathered around the mysterious movement "We will dig", which also published a list of "environmental terrorists". During that time, the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, cruises around Serbia and enlightens the citizens about the benefits of lithium for the country and the people.
"Corruption and the absence of institutions poured into that lithium." What did people feel the first time? Someone comes there and wants to take their land," Tošković assesses and adds that he does not agree with the view that the protests are waning and that people are losing motivation.
After the revival of the "Jadar" project - carried by the support of international actors and not afraid of elections - the government is ready for more repressive measures. Arrest warrants for activists are distributed like leaflets. The opposition is still trying to find its place in the new wave of resistance. There has been no reasoned discussion for a long time. Who and how will emerge as the winner in the end
In a scientific paper recently published by Dragana Đorđević, Ratko Ristić and other experts, it is stated that they were financially supported by the Serbian Ministry of Science. What's in between?
The European Union stands behind all lithium projects in Europe. Given the pressure from the EU to mine this critical raw material, Slobodan Zečević from the Institute for European Studies is not sure what the opposition's stance on the "Jadar" project would be if he came to power.
While everyone is talking about lithium mining, experts and non-experts alike, the Serbian Orthodox Church (SPC) still has no comment on this topic. Bishop Grigorije and Metropolitan Silouan of the SPC from Australia have publicly stated their position for now
Four people were arrested on Friday, ahead of the announced protest against lithium mining in Belgrade. They are charged with an attack on the constitutional order, just like the citizens arrested after the protest in December for election theft.
Tensions are growing before a large protest against lithium mining in Belgrade, which will begin on Saturday at Terazije at 19 p.m., after which a blockade is planned. The first arrests followed the day before the protest
Some of the participants in the protest against lithium mining announced for August 10 in Belgrade hinted that roads will be blocked. Minister of the Interior Ivica Dacic strongly condemned the "announcement of violent demonstrations"
"Lithium to lithium is a fine line, be careful what you do." That's why, brothers and sisters, fight, life or death", said acting director of Srbijašum Igor Braunović. It hit his head. Such thinking is not tolerated in the Prolithium marketing headquarters led by the President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić
"Mass mobilization of citizens, protests, strong pressure - influence the crowning of the impression that Vučić is all-powerful." "Lithium threatens the progressive government, which is precisely based on the perception of the omnipotence of Vučić and his party," political analyst and historian Dragan Popović told Vreme.
It is not easy for the opposition to manage the lithium issue. And it is extremely important and relates not only to environmental protection, but also to Serbia's strategic determination towards the new energy revolution. You have to have a serious policy that is comprehensible to citizens and at the same time represents a barrier to populism. A good part of the opposition does not do well there. And that's because he's repeating old mistakes - he's looking for shortcuts. It is very easy to get hung up on populism instead of offering reasoned and thoughtful alternatives. It seems, sometimes he courts the radicals too much, and thinks less about the majority of citizens
Under the guise of celebrating the anniversary of "Storm", Vučić is actually planning a "counter rally" in Loznica on August 3 at the "Lagator" stadium in order not to show his supremacy to the citizens who are protesting about lithium mining. Preparations for this quasi-patriotic spectacle are well under way
The revival of the "Jadar" project raised the question - is Rio Tinto the only one eyeing Serbian lithium? At how many locations is this metal explored in Serbia and which companies are interested
The authorities are now repeating that a broad public dialogue of experts is needed, who would talk about the lithium mine, its advantages and risks from various angles. Therefore, a serious approach to the topic is called for in order to avoid possible irrationalities, incorrect information and interpretations. Few would disagree with the dialogue, not even the staunchest environmental activists. But there is one big problem here. It was the government that thoroughly abolished public dialogue in society, wanting to abolish dissenting opinion
