Croatia’s Defense Minister Ivan Anušić delivered a stark warning to Serbia’s forthcoming administration during a security briefing in the United States on November 5, 2026. Speaking at the Institute of Politics at Harvard University, Anušić described Serbia under President Aleksandar Vučić as the “greatest source of instability in southeastern Europe” and called for the next Serbian government to break from the “Greater Serbia” policies pursued by Vučić and previously by Slobodan Milošević in the 1990s.

Anušić’s remarks came as part of a broader discussion on the security situation in the Balkans. He emphasized that continued adherence to nationalist expansionist ideas would hinder peace and stability in the region. “In the interest of peace and stability, Serbia’s new government, which has yet to be formed, must distance itself from the Greater Serbia policies of Aleksandar Vučić, or those pursued by Slobodan Milošević in the 1990s,” he said, as quoted by the Croatian Defense Ministry.

The minister’s comments were made while he was on a visit to the United States, underscoring Croatia’s concern over lingering nationalist rhetoric that could inflame historical tensions. While the statement did not reference any specific policy proposals of the yet‑to‑be‑appointed Serbian cabinet, it signals a clear expectation from Zagreb that Belgrade’s new leadership adopt a more conciliatory and European‑oriented stance.

Croatian officials have repeatedly highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and the need to move beyond the divisive legacies of the 1990s conflicts. Anušić’s call aligns with broader diplomatic efforts to encourage Serbia’s integration into European structures, provided that it demonstrates a commitment to democratic norms and the renunciation of irredentist ambitions.

The remarks have been reported by N1’s English service, which attributed the quotation to the Croatian Defense Ministry. The article notes that Anušić’s address was part of a series of talks on southeastern European security held at Harvard, but it does not mention any immediate reaction from Serbian officials.

As Serbia prepares for the formation of a new government, the pressure from neighboring countries, including Croatia, to adopt a policy line that distances the state from past nationalist projects is likely to shape diplomatic dialogue in the coming weeks. Observers will watch closely how Serbia’s political actors respond to these external expectations while navigating domestic political dynamics.

The statement highlights the ongoing sensitivity surrounding the legacy of Greater Serbia ideology and its impact on regional stability, reaffirming the role of neighboring states in influencing Serbia’s future foreign and domestic policy direction.

Sources (learn more):

n1info.rs — https://n1info.rs/english/news/croatian-defmin-serbias-new-government-must-distance-itself-from-greater-serbian-policies-of-vucic-milosevic/