Serbia decides

Serbia goes to the polls today. The two main contenders in the elections, the pro-EU Democratic Party, and the ultra-nationalist Radical Party are running virtually neck-and-neck. The election is essentially a showdown between nationalists and pro-Westerners, and Kosovo is at the centre of the debate.

Tensions are particularly high in Kosovo, where Serbs are being allowed to vote. Kosovo's declaration of independence in February has incensed many Serbs, and this could turn the tide against President Boris Tadic and his hopes for early entry into the European Union.

The EU have been desperately trying to seduce Serbians in the past month, offering free EU visas in the short term and EU membership in the long run, making this an election practically a referendum on EU membership. That may prove to have been a tactical mistake.