Grlić Radman: Croatia is Closely Monitoring the Elections of National Minority Councils in Serbia

Croatia will closely monitor that the councils of national minorities in Serbia are elected transparently so that Croats in that country can realize their guaranteed rights, said Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman in Zagreb.

National councils of national minorities are being elected in Serbia on November 8, on which occasion the Minister met with the President and head of the "Croatian National Vision" list, Jasna Vojnić, who is competing for seats in the Croatian National Council (HNV), the representative body of Croats in that country.

Gordan Grlić Radman emphasized ahead of the elections "the importance of holding them freely, fairly, and transparently," he wrote on X after the meeting.

With Vojnić, the current president of the HNV, the minister discussed the realization of guaranteed minority rights for Croats in Serbia and the challenges they face, he added.

Croatia Will Monitor the Realization of Minority Rights

In the direct elections for members of the national councils of national minorities, 23 members of the Croatian council are elected. Regular elections are held every four years, which is the duration of the mandate for one convocation of the national council.

“Croatia will continue to closely monitor the realization of minority rights, especially in the areas of education and information in the Croatian language, its official use, political representation, and the consistent implementation of the bilateral agreement on minority protection,” added Grlić Radman.

Grlić Radman added on X that, in addition to political representation and language, "appropriate action by the competent institutions of the Republic of Serbia in cases of hate speech and threats to the safety of the Croatian community is important."

Jandroković: We are Monitoring the Post-Election Situation

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković stated that Croatia is monitoring the post-election situation in Serbia with attention and caution, expressing hope that after the formation of the new Government, bilateral relations will improve. He emphasized the importance of a democratic atmosphere in the elections for the leadership of the umbrella institution of Croats in Serbia.

“It is important that this body responsibly and dedicatedly represents their interests, and he assessed that "the organization of the present representatives of Croats in Serbia and their professional diversity inspire optimism," according to a statement from the Parliament.

“This should reflect positively on the status of the Croatian national minority in Serbia, concluded the Parliament Speaker.