May the 17th, 2026 – Croatia very diplomatically awarded Serbia 12 points for their Eurovision performance, while Serbia gave Croatia and LELEK zero. For many, this simple act speaks volumes about the mindsets of the two countries.
As Index reports, Croatia awarded its maximum 12 jury points to Serbia during this year’s Eurovision Song Contest, prompting strong reactions and debate across social media in both countries.
serbia feeds on a difficult relationship with croatia
The Croatian jury gave Serbia the highest possible score during the Eurovision voting segment, surprising many viewers given the often politically charged relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
Serbia’s representative received the full 12 points from the Croatian professional jury, while Croatian viewers online quickly reacted with a mixture of support, jokes and some more deeply rooted and understandable criticism. As soon as the points were announced, reactions spread rapidly across regional social media platforms.
Some users praised the result as proof that music can transcend politics and historical tensions, while others criticised the decision or joked about the traditionally complicated relationship between Croatia and Serbia. Many comments focused less on politics and more on the fact that Eurovision voting across this specific region has long carried far more emotional significance beyond the contest itself.
Regional voting patterns are regularly analysed heavily by fans each year, especially when neighbouring countries exchange high scores.
eurovision points often open old wounds in the region
Voting relationships between former Yugoslav countries remain one of the most discussed parts of Eurovision throughout the region. Croatia, Serbia, Slovenia and other neighbouring countries often receive close scrutiny from viewers whenever points are exchanged.
For some fans, regional support reflects cultural and musical similarities. For others, it becomes a symbolic issue tied to national identity and historical memory. This year’s Croatian 12 points for Serbia immediately became one of the most talked-about regional Eurovision moments online. This is particularly emphasised by the fact that Serbia awarded Croatia zero points.
Although Eurovision officially presents itself as a non-political music competition, reactions across Europe repeatedly show that national identity and regional relationships remain deeply connected to the contest.
Online discussions following the vote revealed familiar divisions. Some viewers argued Eurovision should remain purely about music and performance quality, regardless of politics or history. Others insisted that voting between neighbouring countries of this region inevitably carries symbolic weight because of its bloody and blurred recent and distant past.
