Officials across the Western Balkans have reacted to the results of Serbia’s parliamentary elections, with representatives from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and Slovenia expressing congratulations and outlining expectations for relations with the country’s new leadership.
The victory of the student-backed “Students Are Winning” list has prompted calls for closer regional cooperation, improved bilateral relations and renewed progress toward European Union membership.
Croatia signals willingness to cooperate
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković held the first official telephone conversation with Ilija Sardanović, the leader of the “Students Are Winning” list, signaling Zagreb’s readiness to engage with Serbia’s incoming leadership.
Journalist Jurica Kerbler said Croatia would welcome an improvement in relations but would also expect Belgrade to demonstrate a clear commitment to joining the European Union.
“Croatia certainly wants to see relations improve and, above all, wants evidence that Serbia intends to join the European Union,” Kerbler said, adding that Zagreb’s conditions were clear and could become even more pronounced in Serbia’s case.
In Slovenia, Ljubljana’s mayor also offered congratulations, while Prime Minister Janez Janša welcomed the possibility of accelerating Serbia’s EU accession negotiations, linking his support to the handover of all former Yugoslav State Security Service, known as UDBA, archives to Slovenia.
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Different messages from Republika Srpska and the Federation
Officials in Republika Srpska expressed a desire to maintain close relations with Serbia, while representatives of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina called for a more constructive approach to regional relations and respect for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty.
Federation Prime Minister Nermin Nikšić said the election result could create an opportunity for Serbia to pursue a more progressive political course and confront historical facts responsibly.
He also called on Serbia to unequivocally respect Bosnia and Herzegovina’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and build relations with its neighbors on mutual respect and genuine cooperation.
Željka Cvijanović, a senior official from Republika Srpska, said the entity remained focused on Serbia and hoped bilateral relations and cooperation would continue at the highest possible level.
International law professor Dragan Dakić said he did not expect a change of government in Belgrade to significantly alter the legal framework governing relations between Serbia and Republika Srpska.
He noted that the relationship is regulated through an international agreement on special parallel relations.
Montenegro anticipates a new chapter
Montenegro’s senior officials have also signaled a willingness to open a new chapter in relations with Serbia, emphasizing dialogue and a shared European future.
Political scientist Aleksandar Ćuković said the election result could lead to a reduction in tensions, including in media coverage and public discourse, potentially creating stronger foundations for closer cooperation and improved formal relations.
Analysts expect that a change in political leadership in Belgrade could provide an opportunity to ease regional disputes, although the extent of any improvement will depend on the policies and actions of the incoming government.
The reactions from neighboring countries reflect a shared interest in more predictable relations with Serbia, while also highlighting different expectations regarding European integration, historical issues and respect for regional sovereignty.
