The tension between Croatia and Serbia rose once more after Croatia’s Foreign Minister described President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia as a Russian “satellite”. This latest conflict is a part of the longstanding hostility between the two neighbors that began in the 1990s over the disintegration of Yugoslavia.

Croatia’s Foreign Minister, Grlić Radman, made a statement on N1 television that criticized President Vučić for supporting the interests of Russia and the European Union “because it is impossible and uncomfortable sitting on two chairs at the same time.” Vučić quickly responded to this statement on Instagram, stating that “the Croatian minister not only brutally interferes in the internal affairs of Serbia, but as usual he lies and insults the Serbian people and threatens its citizens,” and that “Grlić Radman is right about one thing, maybe I am someone’s satellite … but I have never been anyone’s servant, which cannot be said for Grlić Radman.” The Serbian Foreign Ministry stated that the statement was unacceptable and that Croatian officials should “refrain from statements that represent interference in the internal affairs of Serbia.”

Both parties’ statements hold aggression and discontent, and upon further evaluation, it becomes clear that the controversy over the “satellite” comment transcends beyond mere diplomatic rhetoric. Serbia, as a candidate country to join the E.U., has expressed interest in aligning itself with E.U. policies to obtain E.U. membership and gain greater economic prosperity and political stability. However, Serbia has continued to maintain close relations with Moscow despite its invasion of Ukraine. E.U. officials have repeatedly brought up the concern that Serbia must align itself with E.U. policies and condemn Russian aggression to join the union. Croatia, already a member of the E.U., has already aligned itself with the E.U.’s interests. The two factions’ dissecting stances on the Russo-Ukrainian War is the underlying cause of this diplomatic conflict.

Keeping in mind the historical grievances between Serbia and Croatia and how Croatia has expressed displeasure with Serbia’s foreign policies, it may risk Serbia escalating to more extreme measures in response. Public confrontations and direct insults of the Serbian President have proven to be unproductive and may hinder the potential for diplomatic exchanges between the countries in the future.

It’s clear to see the increasing tension between Serbia and Croatia has manifested in many ways, one being the form of harsh diplomatic rhetoric. Yet as both factions navigate the foreign policies corresponding to their relations with the E.U., the countries must engage in constructive dialogue to maintain regional stability and peace.