Overview
From 15 to 18 October 2026, the Union of the Blind of Serbia welcomed a European Blind Union (EBU) delegation consisting of Ana Uršič, EBU Board Member, and Valérie Bertrand-Vivancos, EBU Membership Officer, for a four-day visit to Belgrade. The visit coincided with two major anniversaries: the 80th anniversary of the Union and the 55th anniversary of the Library for the Blind "Dr Milan Budimir".
Image Caption: Plaque at the entrance of the headquarters of the Union of the Blind of Serbia in Belgrade
Far more than a ceremonial occasion, the visit provided a unique opportunity to deepen cooperation, learn about the realities facing blind and partially sighted people in Serbia and across the Balkans, and engage directly with organisations, professionals, educators, advocates, and community leaders working every day to advance inclusion and equal opportunities. A special word of thanks goes to Milan Stošić, President of the Union of the Blind of Serbia, whose leadership, generosity and hospitality made the visit possible, and to the entire team of the Union for preparing an exceptionally rich and informative programme. The EBU delegation would also like to express its gratitude to Goran Pećanac, advocate, editor, media analyst and translator for the Union, who served throughout the visit as interpreter, guide, facilitator and cultural bridge.
Image Caption: The audience at the Union of the Blind of Serbia Celebrations
Celebrating 80 Years of Advocacy and Solidarity
The central event of the visit was the solemn academy celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Union and the 55th anniversary of its library. The ceremony brought together representatives of government institutions, municipalities, disability organisations, donors, veterans' associations, cultural organisations and members of the blind community from across Serbia and international representatives.
Image Caption: Milan Stošić, president of the Union of the Blind of Serbia addressing the audience
In his address, Milan Stošić reflected on the remarkable journey of the organisation, highlighting its achievements while reaffirming its commitment to dignity, equality and social participation for blind and partially sighted people. A recurring theme throughout the event was the need to move beyond perceptions of persons with disabilities as passive recipients of assistance and instead recognise them as active citizens, workers, parents, leaders and contributors to society.
One particularly powerful message resonated throughout the day: people with disabilities deserve to be employed and respected, not treated as victims but recognised as equal citizens fighting for equal opportunities.
The ceremony itself showcased the extraordinary talents of blind and partially sighted children and young people. Musical performances, poetry recitations and readings demonstrated both creativity and confidence. The performers include Nikolina Milojević (master student of music); David Trkulja (8th class elementary school pupil); Dragiša Gaborović (blind person from Pančevo); Veljko Šarčević (student of philological faculty in Kragujevac); Ognjen Inđić (student of the Musical Academy in Belgrade) and Jakov Šutanovac (6th class elementary school pupil).
Among the most memorable moments was a moving letter addressed to Louis Braille by Ana Jovčić, a young blind teacher of Serbian language and literature, reminding everyone present how transformative Braille literacy remains today. A film "The beginning that changed a way of life" directed by Vladimir Milojević (external IT, sound and video engineer) tracing the history of the Union and its achievements over eight decades provided a powerful tribute to generations of activists who helped build the organisation.
EBU Board Member from Slovenia, Ana Uršič delivered a message of congratulations and encouraged Serbian representatives to take an active part in the European Blind Union activities, particularly in terms of Advocacy so that their voice can be heard.
Images caption: EBU Board Member Anja Ursic speech translated live by Goran Pecanac during the ceremony
Learning from a Century of Educational Excellence
On the first full day of the programme, the delegation visited the Veljko Ramadanović School for Students with Visual Impairments in Zemun. Founded in 1917 by educator and philanthropist Veljko Ramadanović, the institution has played a foundational role in the education and rehabilitation of blind and visually impaired people in Serbia and received the visit of prominent personalities such as Helen Keller.
Image Caption: Delegation visit to the Veljko Ramadanović School, view of the library and museum
The visit, guided by the school director Jelena Vukić and library coordinator and teacher of Serbian language Marina Petković offered a detailed overview of the school's impressive evolution from a facility initially supporting soldiers blinded during the First World War into a modern educational and rehabilitation centre. Today, the school provides preschool, primary, secondary and adult education, rehabilitation services, vocational retraining, mobility instruction, speech therapy, visual rehabilitation and support for inclusive education throughout Serbia. It currently serves approximately 150 students with the support of around 65 professionals.
Particularly impressive were the mobility training ground and the Resource Centre, which produces Braille materials, large-print publications, audio resources and specialised educational aids used by schools across the country. The delegation was struck by the institution's commitment to combining traditional expertise with innovative approaches, ensuring that students acquire not only academic knowledge but also the practical skills and confidence needed for independent living.
Listening to the Balkans
One of the most valuable parts of the visit was the opportunity to meet with leaders of blind organisations from across the Balkans. Participants included Milan Stošić, President of the Serbian organisation; Sonja Pungertnik, President of the Slovenian organisation; Miljan Otašević, Executive Director of the Montenegrin organisation; Jonit Ferhati, President of the Albanian organisation; Žarko Selkovski, President of the North Macedonian organisation; Vasil Dolapchiev, President of the Bulgarian organisation; and Milka Jaćimović, President of the Union of the Republic of Srpska in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The exchange of experiences and perspectives among these leaders highlighted both the shared challenges and the common aspirations of blind and partially sighted people throughout the region.
Image Caption: meeting with leaders of blind and partially sighted organisations from the Balkans in the headquarters of the Union of the Blind of Serbia
The discussion offered an honest and sometimes sobering picture of the challenges facing organisations throughout the region. While circumstances vary from country to country, many participants described fragile financial situations, limited public support, difficulties accessing European funding and barriers preventing blind and partially sighted people from fully participating in society.
Several representatives expressed concern that their organisations struggle not only to finance projects but even to pay membership fees and maintain basic services. Participants stressed that blind and partially sighted people in the poorest countries of the region often face “medieval like” exclusion, unemployment and social isolation despite the dedication of local organisations and volunteers.
The discussions highlighted the importance of capacity building, mentoring, peer partnerships and stronger engagement between EBU members. Suggestions included regular online exchanges, advocacy training, fundraising support, mobility training programmes and partnerships between larger and smaller member organisations. The meetings reinforced a shared conviction that solidarity must remain at the heart of the European blind movement.
A Library at the Heart of the Community
The following day, the delegation visited the Library for the Blind "Dr Milan Budimir", widely regarded as one of the most important specialised libraries in the region. The visit was led by Violeta Banković, Library coordinator and Boris Dončić, Librarian and audio-book editor. The library provides materials in Braille, audio and digital formats, distributes publications free of charge to members and even delivers books directly to readers in Belgrade through a mobile service.
Photos Captions: Violeta Banković, Library coordinator presenting the braille book collection and audio books recording studio
Photo caption: Boris Dončić, Librarian and audio-book editor
The delegation met librarians, technicians and recording staff whose dedication has enabled the library not only to survive difficult periods but to continue growing and innovating. Staff demonstrated Daisy players, audio services, Braille production and accessible technology available to users. The library also produces Braille documents for public institutions and businesses, including restaurant menus and safety materials.
Particularly inspiring was hearing how, despite financial pressures and changing technologies, the library remains committed to serving readers of all ages, including older people who continue to rely on audio CDs and postal services. Accessible information remains a cornerstone of inclusion, and the work carried out by the library demonstrates that access to culture and knowledge must never be taken for granted.
Meeting the Belgrade Organisation
The delegation also visited the local organisation for blind and partially sighted people in Belgrade, meeting its president, Voja Bogdanović, and vice-president, Tanja Veselinović, and learned about numerous community activities, including white cane mobility competitions, Braille contests, cultural events, poetry initiatives, excursions and celebrations bringing together blind and partially sighted people of all generations, even though most of its members are over 60.
Image Caption: Goran Pecanac with Voja Bogdanović and Tanja Veselinović, president and vice-president of the Belgrade branch of the Union of the Blind
Despite significant financial challenges, the organisation continues to organise meaningful activities that strengthen social inclusion, mutual support and community participation. These initiatives demonstrate how local organisations remain essential pillars of social life for many blind and partially sighted people.
Looking Towards the Future
The visit concluded with additional discussions between the EBU delegation and the leadership of the Union of the Blind of Serbia. These conversations addressed future cooperation, strengthening regional networks and identifying practical ways in which EBU can continue supporting member organisations’ capacity throughout the Balkans.
Throughout the four-day programme, one impression stood out clearly: the resilience, commitment and creativity of the Serbian blind community. Whether in education, culture, accessible information or advocacy, the Union and its partners continue to demonstrate that meaningful progress is possible when determination is matched with cooperation.
As the visit drew to a close, the conversation turned to what unites people across a continent rich in different languages, cultures and histories. Asked what all citizens of geographical Europe have in common, Tanja Pećanac, answered by quoting the celebrated Serbian writer Momo Kapor:
„Isti smo kada se molimo, plačemo, spavamo i ljubimo se.“
“We are all the same when we pray, weep, sleep, and kiss.”
It was a fitting conclusion to a visit that strengthened ties between the European Blind Union and the Union of the Blind of Serbia and Balkans neighbours, and a reminder that what unites Europeans is far greater than what divides them.