European leaders welcome Serbia vote, back EU path
Leaders welcomed the Student List’s victory in Serbia’s parliamentary election and pledged support for reforms tied to the country’s European Union path…
European leaders welcome Serbia’s election result after a parliamentary vote shaped by nearly two years of student-led protests. The Student List won 52.54% of the vote, according to preliminary figures, and European officials pledged support for democratic reforms and Serbia’s path toward European Union membership.
The Republic Electoral Commission figures, based on more than 96% of polling stations processed, put the list led by Aleksandar Vucic at 39.29%. Vucic acknowledged that his electoral list had lost, while European leaders urged the incoming leadership to advance reforms on the rule of law, media freedom and corruption.
The result could affect Serbia’s relations with the EU and the pace of its membership bid. European officials said they were ready to work with the country on reforms and stronger democratic institutions.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Sunday’s vote had produced a clear result. “The parliamentary elections in Serbia have been clearly decided. We congratulate the Student List!” he wrote on social media. He added that Germany would actively support Serbia’s European path.
European leaders offer support for reforms
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa congratulated the Student List in a joint statement on X. They said Serbian voters had turned out “in record numbers to shape their country's future” and offered support for reforms, media freedom and democratic institutions.
Irish Taoiseach Micheal Martin also congratulated the list, saying Ireland was ready to help Serbia strengthen its institutions, the rule of law and democracy. Sweden’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson described the result as an opportunity to strengthen democratic governance and fight corruption.
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said Serbians had “chosen democratic change” and called the result a new opportunity to move closer to the EU. Romanian President Nicusor Dan called it a “historic election, with the highest turnout in decades,” and said he would work with the new government for Serbia’s European path.
Poland’s Foreign Ministry welcomed what it called “historic voter turnout” and said it looked forward to dialogue with Serbia’s new leadership. Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said he had congratulated Student List leaders by telephone and assured them of Hungary’s support.
Bulgaria’s Prime Minister Rumen Radev pledged continued backing for Serbia’s EU integration and closer bilateral ties. He also said the rights and cultural identity of Serbia’s Bulgarian minority should remain part of bilateral dialogue.
Vote follows prolonged student protests
The election followed nearly two years of student-led protests triggered by the deadly collapse of a train station canopy in Novi Sad. At his party headquarters in Belgrade, Vucic acknowledged the defeat and blamed it on what he described as interference by several European countries and the “American deep state.”
Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot welcomed both the student movement’s victory and Vucic’s acceptance of the result. He called the acceptance “an important step towards a peaceful and orderly transition of power.”
For Serbia, the pledges from European leaders put the focus on whether the new political leadership will pursue the reforms they have named. Their statements point to rule of law, media freedom and anti-corruption efforts as key areas for cooperation with the EU.
The preliminary figures showed the Student List at 52.54%, against 39.29% for Vucic’s United Serbia list.
Source: aa.com.tr
