Serbia’s Student List seeks closer ties with the West without giving up Russia and China

After winning the parliamentary election on October 25, the Student List in Serbia aims to form a new government without coalition partners.

The political movement’s platform focuses on fighting nepotism and party-based appointments, as well as reorganizing foreign policy. Formed out of protests against corruption in the country, the movement proposes a balanced foreign policy.

The list calls for stronger relations with the European Union and the United States, while also seeking to preserve its partnerships with Russia and China, as well as Serbia’s military neutrality.

Regarding Kosovo, the platform does not recognize its independence and opposes its membership in international organizations. At the same time, it calls for a review of the constitutionality of the agreements signed between Belgrade and Pristina, as well as greater autonomy for Serbs in Kosovo. The list also supports preserving institutions and their heritage.

Its position on Russia includes opposition to sanctions, while the platform expresses support for the territorial integrity of sovereign states, including Ukraine. In relations with the EU, it seeks progress on reforms and European integration. With the United States, it proposes expanding economic, technological and defense cooperation, while relations with China should see increased investment, provided local laws and standards are respected.

For the region, the Student List says it supports Republika Srpska and the protection of Serbs’ rights in neighboring countries. The platform also calls for increased humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

Although it opposes Kosovo’s independence and seeks to maintain its partnership with Russia, Balkan affairs expert Nikola Xaviereff-Weckwerth believes a change of government could foster more stable relations between Serbia and the countries of the region.