Serbia and Hungary are moving towards the establishment of a comprehensive military alliance, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced on April 1, following the signing of a strategic defence partnership between the two countries.

The partnership, which aims to strengthen bilateral military cooperation, follows growing regional tensions, particularly in the wake of a trilateral defence pact signed between Albania, Croatia and Kosovo. Serbia condemned the pact, describing it as a provocative move that threatens regional stability. Vucic warned that Croatia and Albania's actions could spark an “arms race” in the Balkans.

Hungary has long been a key political ally to Serbia, with both nations aligning on “sovereignist” views of international politics. Hungary has been a vocal supporter of Serbia’s efforts to join the European Union and has recently backed Serbia’s resistance to US sanctions on its oil industry, specifically regarding Russian-owned oil company NIS.

The document formalising the Serbian-Hungarian defence cooperation was signed by Serbian Defense Minister Bratislav Gasic and his Hungarian counterpart Krisztof Szalay-Bobrovniczky in Belgrade. The agreement outlines 79 planned joint activities, including helicopter exercises, and sets the stage for enhanced bilateral military cooperation through 2025.

“We aim to forge the closest strategic relations in the field of defence, and we believe that this agreement on joint activities will pave the way for a military alliance or union between Serbia and Hungary,” Vucic said after the signing ceremony.

Serbia's deepening ties with Hungary also extend to energy cooperation. Just this week, Serbia’s government approved an oil pipeline project connecting the two countries, which is designed to enhance Serbia's energy security by diversifying its oil supply routes. 

Vucic also took the opportunity to thank Hungary for its support during the 1999 Nato bombing campaign, during which Hungary resisted pressure to allow foreign forces to invade Serbia. "This is a partnership for the future," said Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Đurić, adding that relations between Serbia and Hungary are at their "highest level in history."

Indeed, the move towards a defence alliance is a reflection of the increasing ties between Serbia and Hungary, both of which share a similar approach to international affairs and have resisted pressure from the European Union to sever their ties with Moscow.

As tensions in the Balkans rise, between Serbia and Kosovo, and within Bosnia & Herzegovina, the new Serbian-Hungarian military alliance is expected to have significant geopolitical implications for the region, with potential consequences for Nato’s influence and the broader stability of Southeast Europe.