European, regional leaders congratulate Serbia’s Student List after election win
Leaders from the EU and the Western Balkans praised turnout, pledged support for reforms and urged cooperation for regional stability.
European and regional leaders publicly congratulated Serbia’s Student List after its decisive win in the parliamentary election, praising record turnout and promising support for reforms and regional stability.
Wide diplomatic reactions
The vote, held on October 25, 2026 after nearly two years of large student and civic protests, produced an unmistakable victory for the Student List. The list’s opponents led by Aleksandar Vučić acknowledged defeat, and celebrations continued late into the night across Belgrade and other Serbian cities.
Montenegro’s president, Jakov Milatović, tweeted his congratulations and said he was confident the result could open “a new chapter in relations between Montenegro and the Republic of Serbia, based on friendship, sincere dialogue and dedication to a common European future.”
Montenegrin prime minister Milojko Spajić also congratulated the Student List and urged that ties between the two countries be built on cooperation and concrete results rather than diplomatic disputes. He wrote that the day in Serbia was “a vivid reminder that the will of the citizens and their right to freely decide their future are the foundation of every democratic change.”
Hungarian leader Péter Magyar said he had phoned Student List leaders to congratulate them and assured them of Hungary’s support. Leaders across the Western Balkans — including Republika Srpska premier Savo Minić and member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina Željka Cvijanović — also sent their felicitations and highlighted the importance of a stable Serbia for regional peace and cooperation.
European institutions joined the chorus. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the record turnout and said the EU stands ready to support reforms in the rule of law, media freedom, anti‑corruption and democratic institutions to help advance Serbia's EU prospects. Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset welcomed Vučić’s acceptance of the outcome and offered cooperation to strengthen human rights and the rule of law. European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos likewise congratulated voters and the Student List, saying Serbia can begin a new chapter toward the EU.
Morning tallies showed the Student List at 52.37 percent and Vučić’s list at 39.41 percent, figures that were cited by observers as a clear mandate for change.
Photo: press material from the event
