BELGRADE – Top EU officials congratulated the Student List on its convincing victory in Serbia’s snap parliamentary elections, urging the implementation of key reforms, while Western media hailed the high-turnout outcome as a milestone.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen stated that the people of Serbia turned out in record numbers to shape their country’s future.
“Congratulations to the Student List on its victory in the parliamentary elections. We stand ready to support reforms on the rule of law, media freedom, the fight against corruption and strong democratic institutions, and to work together to advance Serbia’s future in the European Union”, Ursula von der Leyen wrote in an X post.
The same message was conveyed by President of the European Council António Costa.
According to European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, “a new chapter can begin for Serbia”.
“Dear Serbia, you have made your voice heard! After nearly two years of protests for democracy, the rule of law and the fight against corruption, Serbians turned out in historic numbers. Congratulations to the Student List on your victory! These are the very values at the heart of our European Union. A new chapter can begin for Serbia. The door to the EU is open, and we are ready to move forward together”, Kos noted.
For her part, President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola remarked that it was encouraging to see the record turnout in Serbia.
“Grateful to the members of the European Parliament and all the delegation on the ground observing the election. The EP remains committed to supporting Serbia’s reform process as it continues on its European path”, Metsola stated.
Tonino Picula, Rapporteur of the European Parliament for Serbia, assessed that the citizens of Serbia have overwhelmingly decided what future they want.
“The evaluation of the electoral process should be left to observers, but the will of the voters deserves full respect. Now is the time for rule of law, reforms and institutions that serve all citizens. This is the way to the EU”, Picula underlined.
Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, stated that Serbian citizens have made their democratic choice.
“We welcome former President Vučić’s acceptance of the result and commitment to a peaceful democratic transition. Council of Europe stands ready to work with Serbia’s democratically elected leadership to strengthen human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Your perseverance, energy and commitment to European principles and Serbia’s future have brought you this far. You can count on our support”, Berset said.
Guardian reported that the long-serving leader of Serbia Aleksandar Vučić, “has conceded defeat, ushering in a seismic political shift after a historic election that saw the increasingly authoritarian leader pitted against a student-led movement that had spent two years protesting against his government aid”.
In addition, the article stresses that as news broke that Vučić’s 12 years in power had come to an end, celebrations erupted on the streets of Belgrade and other cities.
Similarly, Politico EU noted that Aleksandar Vučić announced the end of his 12-year reign as the most powerful man in Serbia on Sunday following a pivotal election that swept the Student List protest movement to victory.
