Picula: Relations with Croatia Will Be a Test for Serbia’s New Government

Political changes in Serbia could reshape the country’s relations with Croatia, but the real test will be how the new leadership treats its neighbours, Croatian MEP and European Parliament rapporteur for Serbia Tonino Picula has said. Former Croatian foreign minister Miro Kovač, meanwhile, said Serbia’s election result did not come as a surprise.

The implications of Serbia’s political changes for Croatia and the European Union were discussed on Croatian Radio’s program *U mreži Prvog*.

Picula: Vučić did not mention Croatia in his speech

Picula said the Student List’s decisive election victory reflected a strong public desire for change after 14 years of political dominance by Aleksandar Vučić.

He criticised the previous government’s handling of relations with Zagreb, which had been marked by repeated tensions and accusations against Croatia.

“Vučić pushed bilateral relations to the brink of breaking point, accusing Croatia of interfering in the election campaign,” Picula said.

He also noted that Vučić did not mention Croatia in his speech following the defeat, despite blaming various other actors for the result.

“One indicator of a change in the quality of relations will be the attitude towards neighbouring countries, particularly those with which Serbia has a traumatic history of relations,” Picula said.

Kovač: Election result was no surprise

Former Croatian foreign minister Miro Kovač said he had anticipated the Student List’s victory and expected Vučić and his associates to accept the election outcome.

“When it comes to elections, being well organised is crucial. You need a vision, but you also need a division,” Kovač said, emphasising the importance of organisational strength alongside political goals.

He added that the Student List extends beyond students, bringing together academics, professors and people from other professional backgrounds.

What comes next after Vučić’s defeat?

Croatian Radio journalist Goran Ivanović described celebrations in Belgrade following the announcement of the results, while also reporting irregularities and incidents during election day.

Political analyst Zoran Kusovac believes Vučić will remain active in politics but that his party will struggle to regain its previous position of power. He also expects legal proceedings relating to the former administration’s activities.

Picula cautioned that Serbia’s political transition is not yet complete, with presidential elections still ahead.

Whether the change in power in Belgrade leads to improved relations between Croatia and Serbia will ultimately depend on the new leadership’s actions towards Zagreb and other neighbouring countries.