Croatia becomes top EU destination for Serbian migrants amid Vučić's policies

Croatian journalist Gordan Malić argues that the Serbian government under President Aleksandar Vučić is orchestrating a "demographic war" against Croatia. Citing Eurostat data for 2013‑2024, he notes that nearly half a million Serbian citizens have emigrated to EU states, with Croatia receiving the largest share – 54,305 people – more than any other member country. Germany follows with 45,633 arrivals, then Slovenia, Slovakia and Hungary.

Malić says the flow includes not only workers but also university lecturers, cultural figures and political activists opposed to Vučić. He points to examples such as military analyst Aleksandar Radić, who fled after police pressure, and activist Doroteja Antić from Novi Sad, both now residing in Croatia. The journalist also compares the Serbian exodus to the influx of over 50,000 Russians into Serbia under Vladimir Putin. He concludes that the migration trend will likely intensify if Vučić remains in power, reshaping Croatia's demographic landscape.