The European Union has expressed regret over the developments that led to the cancellation of the upcoming Brdo-Brijoni Summit, which was scheduled for May on Croatia’s Brijoni Island. The summit, intended for Western Balkan heads of state alongside Croatia and Slovenia, was called off following controversial statements by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić.
An EU spokesperson emphasized that strong and constructive neighborly relations are essential to Serbia’s EU integration process. Such cooperation fosters regional stability, reconciliation, and creates conditions to address bilateral disagreements from the past.
Croatian President Zoran Milanović stated that Vučić’s recent remarks directly contradicted the objectives of the Brdo-Brijoni process, undermining inter-state relations and potentially threatening peace and stability in Southeast Europe.
Reports indicate that Vučić and his close associates have launched a verbal campaign accusing Croatia, along with Albania and Kosovo, of plotting attempts to destabilize Serbia. This rhetoric was cited as the reason behind Croatia’s decision to prevent Vučić from attending the summit.
The Brdo-Brijoni initiative, jointly launched by Croatia and Slovenia, serves as a platform to support Western Balkan countries in their EU integration efforts. Both Croatia and Slovenia have consistently identified regional integration as a strategic interest. The previous summit was held last autumn in Tirana, Albania, with participation from all regional leaders, including Vučić.
The EU reiterated that maintaining dialogue and constructive engagement among Western Balkan countries is crucial for regional stability and successful integration into the European Union.
