"It is through strong participation" in the presidential election that "the Serbians have not only re-elected Boris Tadic, but also granted his support to the country’s bent for Europe". Hans-Gert Poettering comments the result of the election that took place in Serbia yesterday. In this way, adds the president of the European Parliament, "the voters expressed the fact they feel they belong to the European family". This matches Belgrade’s pro-European perspective "and does justice to the country’s important role in the Western Balkan region". From the Brussels Commission, president José Manuel Barroso congratulates Tadic: the election, he highlights, "saw democracy and the European values that we share win in Serbia". Referring indirectly to the situation of Kosovo, Barroso adds: "This victory comes at a critical time" for the country and "for the Western Balkans. I am confident Serbia will keep playing an effective role in facing the current challenges and ensuring stability in the region".
