The narrow victory of Boris Tadic in the Serbian presidential elections has been greeted with relief in the European Union, in Washington, and on the Belgrade stock exchange. The vote amounted to a virtual referendum on Mr Tadic’s pro-EU policy, as opposed to the defensively nationalist and pro-Russian policy of his challenger, Tomislav Nikolic. Although most Serbs are bitterly opposed to the prospect of independence for the breakaway province of Kosovo, a majority still voted for the long-term perspective of joining the EU.

Mr Tadic’s re-election means that Brussels can now go ahead with a political agreement with Belgrade this week. It does not amount to signing a full-scale Stability and Association Agreement, but it will allow negotiations to start on benefits such as visa facilitation for Serbs visiting the EU. It is a signal of good intent.