EXIT Festival Confirms Final Serbia Edition Amid Political, Financial Pressures

EXIT Festival, one of Europe's largest music festivals rooted in a student movement for peace and freedom, has announced that its 25th anniversary edition in July 2025 will be its last in Serbia. The decision follows the Serbian government's complete withdrawal of public funding and pressure on sponsors to cut ties, which organizers attribute to the festival's outspoken support for ongoing student-led anti-corruption protests triggered by a deadly November 2024 train station collapse. EXIT's founder, Dušan Kovačević, emphasized that this difficult choice defends the fundamental right to free expression and called on the global cultural community to unite in solidarity. While provincial officials deny political motives and cite financial constraints for the funding cuts, EXIT has faced significant financial and political pressures since publicly backing the protests. The festival, held annually at Petrovaradin Fortress in Novi Sad and attracting over 200,000 attendees, has historically promoted activism alongside music, with themes addressing social issues and support for civil movements. Its departure marks the end of a significant cultural and political symbol in Serbia, though the future location of the festival remains uncertain.