The pace of Serbia’s progress toward European Union membership will be largely determined by reforms in several fundamental areas, such as rule of law, democracy, anti-corruption, organized crime and the normalization of relations with Kosovo. According to the EU’s Ambassador to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufre, the geopolitical context has shifted significantly, with ongoing conflicts like the Russian invasion of Ukraine and crises in the Middle East. This has made the EU focus more on its strategic autonomy and expansion, especially towards the Western Balkans. Countries like Ukraine and Moldova, which have received candidate status, signal the EU’s renewed attention to enlargement, while Serbia continues to work toward meeting the necessary criteria for accession.
While Serbia has made positive strides in improving its economy, environmental protection and judicial reform, several challenges remain. Key areas such as media freedom, judicial independence and public administration reform still require significant progress. The report also acknowledged Serbia’s role in supporting EU crisis management efforts and its humanitarian aid to Ukraine. However, Giaufre noted that Serbia must continue to strengthen its alignment with EU foreign policy, particularly when it comes to Russia and energy diversification, as its rate of policy alignment has decreased in recent years.
For Serbia, EU membership remains the ultimate goal, not just alignment with EU policies. Giaufre emphasized that the EU is committed to Serbia’s accession and that the benefits of full membership are clear, offering greater participation in decision-making processes, access to the EU single market, and the shared values of democracy and human rights. He reiterated that Serbia’s future is tied to EU integration and that this process will lead to tangible improvements for its citizens.
The normalization of relations with Kosovo remains a critical aspect of Serbia’s EU accession journey. While some progress has been made, especially through agreements like the Ohrid Agreement, much work remains to be done. The EU expects full implementation of all agreements, including the creation of the Association of Serbian Municipalities. Giaufre stressed that the EU’s role in mediating this dialogue remains essential and that normalization is key to achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.
The EU’s Growth Plan for the Balkans, which aims to provide tangible benefits to citizens even before full EU membership, is seen as a powerful tool to reinvigorate the accession process. For Serbia, this plan includes measures such as joining the SEPA payment system, reducing border delays, and strengthening regional markets. Serbia is expected to receive approximately 1.5 billion euros in funding as part of this plan, which will support economic development, infrastructure projects, and reform efforts.
Serbia’s recent reform agenda, approved by the EU, includes specific steps to improve the country’s economy and meet EU standards. The EU will provide financial support in the form of grants and loans, with a significant portion allocated for infrastructure projects. This financial assistance is intended to support the implementation of necessary reforms, reduce the socioeconomic gap between Serbia and the EU and ensure Serbia’s readiness for eventual EU membership.
Giaufre also highlighted the need for better communication between the Serbian government and its citizens regarding the benefits of EU cooperation. While Serbia is already the EU’s largest trade partner and the biggest recipient of EU aid in the region, many citizens remain uninformed about the concrete advantages of these relationships. More efforts are needed to promote the positive impacts of EU membership and ensure that citizens are aware of the benefits it brings.
As for travel, beginning next year, citizens from Serbia, the U.S., and the UK will be required to register online and submit biometric data before traveling to the EU. This new system is part of the EU’s broader strategy to enhance border security and ensure easier, more efficient travel for citizens in the future. The procedure is aimed at streamlining travel while also strengthening EU border control measures.
Finally, when discussing the rise of the BRICS group, Giaufre noted that the EU’s soft power remains strong, particularly because of the unique benefits it offers, such as access to the EU single market, shared democratic values, and collective decision-making processes. While some Serbian citizens may look to alternative groups like BRICS, the EU remains the most strategic and beneficial choice for Serbia’s future.
