Brussels-based correspondent Augustin Palokaj writes in an opinion piece that the European Union and Russia have shown exceptional interest in Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Serbia. “Western politicians do not hide their wishes for Aleksandar Vucic, leader of the Serbian Progressive Party, to win the elections”. Palokaj notes that Vucic has maintained brotherly relations with Russia and meanwhile has gotten closer with the European Union and the United States of America. Vucic has also managed to build very good relations with his neighbors, especially with Albania and Prime Minister Edi Rama. “He is having a more difficult time with Croatia, and he will have to put in more effort to prove himself as a politician ready for reconciliation, because the traumas from the past are still fresh in Croatia. As far as Kosovo is concerned, he has created the impression that he is a politician with the power and willingness to make tough decisions”. Palokaj further argues that under Vucic’s leadership, Serbia has made several steps to get closer to the European Union, but notes that it hasn’t made a single step to distance itself from Russia. “Vucic will hardly distance himself from Russia after these elections, and in Kosovo’s case he is not expected to make dramatic changes to his policy, because it seems that it suits everyone to maintain the status quo in Kosovo for several more years,” Palokaj writes.