Lithium documentary vilifies Serbians

Protest in Brussels Against Unfair Debate on Lithium Mining by Rio Tinto

Activists opposing Rio Tinto’s project in Jadar Valley showed up in Brussels to protest the documentary film produced by Peter Tom Jones (KU Leuven) and to attend the debate on lithium from Serbia. The film features statements from Serbian scientists, one without permission, and one explicitly against the consent of the interviewed scientist. Furthermore, it pushes a narrative that environmental activists are somehow “paid” by secret interests, insinuating that it might be “Russians.” It is ironic and even dangerous because the representatives of the ruling party, including the Prime Minister and the President, casually accuse the activists of being “foreign mercenaries,” insinuating that they are paid from the EU. The activists from Jadar were not given a word to speak at the event.

In Serbia, we witness increased pressure and persecution from the Serbian authorities, supported by the raw materials agreement signed with the EU in July 2024, which paves the way towards a strategic partnership. Now even a university member from the EU joins the choir of those attacking the activists.