Serbia, the Last Car on Balkan Express
Serbia, the Last Car on Balkan Express

Summary/Abstract: It is often said humorously that there were three kinds of states in the Western Balkans in EU context: candidates, potential candidates and Serbia. The largest country of the region, which has significant economic and social potential, satisfactory administrative capacities and over 70% of public support for EU accession remains unable to strengthen and improve its process of integration in the great European family. Contrary to the situation in other countries, there was no broad social consensus on the need for EU membership in Serbia. Moreover, as May elections draw nearer, a new turn on the Serbian political scene becomes more and more obvious. The Democratic Party of Serbia conducts political and qualitative distancing from Europe and European values. Another important moment is the strengthening of the Socialist Party of Serbia. On the other hand, the prospects for the creation of a minority government of democratic forces are not very optimistic. The so called ‘democratic block’ has been in power in Serbia for eight years already and its strength is declining. Dissatisfied citizens demand changes. In addition to that, many of them may vote against the endless EU rhetoric, which in their minds never produced any tangible results. Therefore, Serbia is threatened to continue to remain a ‘one issue’ state if European minded politicians do not stay strong in insisting on the difficult job which has to be undertaken in spite of their promise for a parallel fight for Kosovo. This will, however be impossible without a clear and true support of the EU, even if it means taking some ‘risky steps’ for that.

• Details
• Contents