The President of Zoran Milanović said that the cancellation of the Brdo–Brijuni summit was unavoidable, claiming that Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić placed him in an “impossible position” through recent political statements.
Speaking after a visit to an elementary school in Rijeka alongside Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar, Milanović said the regional summit—intended as a platform for dialogue among Western Balkan countries—could not be held under the current circumstances.
“Normal dialogue is not possible”
Milanović stated that the summit, which was supposed to take place in Croatia for the first time during his presidency, is a useful forum for regional cooperation, but that recent tensions made it unworkable.
He criticized Vučić’s rhetoric, saying it repeatedly suggests that Croatia poses a threat to Serbia, something he strongly denied.
“I don’t want to keep explaining that Croatia will not attack Serbia,” he said, adding that such narratives make constructive dialogue impossible.
Regional context
The Brdo–Brijuni Process is a diplomatic initiative involving countries of the Western Balkans, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and supporting EU integration.
Milanović also commented on developments in Hungary, noting that despite long-term rule, former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ultimately lost power in elections, calling it evidence that democratic systems can still function.
Key takeaway
The cancellation highlights rising political tensions between Croatia and Serbia, with diplomatic platforms increasingly affected by sharp rhetoric and mutual mistrust.
