The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Serbia has recently declared Hrvoje Šnajder, the first secretary at the Croatian Embassy in Serbia, as persona non grata. According to the ministry, this decision was made due to Šnajder stepping out of diplomatic protocol. However, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs expressed regret over this move and rejected any grounds for expelling an accredited Croatian diplomat.

The expulsion of Šnajder is seen by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs as a step towards deterioration in mutual relations and further destabilization of sensitive regional political and security situations. They are concerned that this action will put additional pressure on employees of the Croatian embassy in Belgrade, particularly during the pre-election period in Serbia.

In response to this move, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs reserves the right to respond at its own time and in its own manner. They are disappointed that escalation of relations with Serbia was realized with a drastic decision to expel diplomats. The statement from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs was transmitted in full and expressed concern about its impact on stability in South-Eastern Europe.