Croatia cancels Brdo-Brijuni Summit as Milanović says Vučić visit not possible

President Milanović (Photo credit: Ured PRH)

The planned meeting of regional leaders under the Brdo-Brijuni Process scheduled to take place in Croatia this May has been cancelled after Croatian President Zoran Milanović said conditions were not suitable for Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić to visit the country.

Croatia and Slovenia launched the Brdo-Brijuni Process as members of the European Union with the aim of strengthening cooperation in Southeast Europe and accelerating the European integration of countries in the region.

The initiative brings together heads of state from across the Western Balkans and neighbouring EU member states to discuss regional cooperation, stability and progress towards EU membership.

This year’s summit of presidents was due to be held on the Brijuni islands in Croatia.

However, according to the Office of the President of Croatia, recent political statements and actions by Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić have been viewed in Zagreb as being contrary to the goals of the Brdo-Brijuni Process.

Officials said such rhetoric risks damaging interstate relations and undermining peace and stability in Southeast Europe.

President Milanović concluded that under the current circumstances there were no conditions for President Vučić to travel to Croatia.

As co-chair of the Brdo-Brijuni Process, Milanović therefore decided to cancel the planned summit. Heads of state who had been expected to participate in the meeting on Brijuni have been informed of the decision.

The next meeting of leaders within the Brdo-Brijuni Process will be organised once conditions allow, following consultations between Milanović and Slovenian President Nataša Pirc-Musar, who jointly oversee the initiative.

The Brdo-Brijuni Process has for years served as an important regional platform promoting dialogue, cooperation and the European future of Southeast Europe.

The cancellation of this year’s summit highlights the continued sensitivity of political relations in the region.