politics
April 5, 2026
Deutsche Welle: 'Milanović closed the door on Vučić and harmed everyone'
Milanović declared the President of Serbia unwelcome in Croatia. But even his provocative and warlike slanders should not be a reason to abolish the space for neighborly dialogue.
TL;DR
- Croatian President Zoran Milanović canceled a planned meeting of the Brdo-Brijuni Initiative to prevent Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić from attending.
- Milanović cited Vučić's "political statements and actions" as being contrary to the initiative's goals.
- Foreign policy commentator Tomislav Jakić argues that dialogue is always better than isolation, using the EU-Russia relationship as an example.
- Jakić believes Milanović's decision harms relations between Croatia and Serbia, which are already at a low point.
- He suggests Milanović's move might be an attempt to appeal to the right-wing electorate, despite not being able to run for president again.
- The recent public display of Chinese missiles by the Serbian army, dubbed 'Zagrepčanke' by tabloids, has heightened tensions.
- Jakić notes that historical context shows both Croatian and Serbian authorities have often benefited from portraying the other as an enemy.
- Despite Vučić's rhetoric, Jakić believes a military cooperation agreement between Croatia, Kosovo, and Albania is not a genuine threat.
- The incident is seen as a missed opportunity for direct confrontation and resolution, potentially allowing Serbia to further criticize Croatia.
- The public awaits news on a potential rescheduling of the Brdo-Brijuni summit and a possible meeting between Milanović and Vučić.
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