Serbia's EU Path: Conference in Užice Highlights Stalled Progress and Democratic Concerns

In Užice, the EU Resurs Center for Civil Society in Serbia convened a significant conference titled "Signs on Serbia's Road to the EU – Who is at the Wheel?" The gathering aimed to dissect Serbia's complex journey toward European Union membership, acknowledging the current stalemate in accession talks and the often contradictory messages emanating from the government. Despite these hurdles, participants affirmed that a "European Serbia" remains a viable prospect, underscoring the continued relevance of the EU integration process for the nation's future.

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European Serbia exists despite the stagnation in negotiations for accession to the European Union and the confusing messages sent by the state.

Mauro di Veroli, Head of the Cooperation Section at the EU Delegation to Serbia, articulated the core tenets of EU accession. He emphasized that joining the Union necessitates a deepening of democratic practices, a robust strengthening of institutions, and a heightened sense of efficiency and accountability. Di Veroli recalled that Serbia embarked on its membership negotiations in 2014, opening 22 out of 35 chapters, with only two provisionally closed. He highlighted critical reform areas, including the rule of law, an independent judiciary, media freedom, and alignment with the EU's foreign and security policy, as essential components of the accession path.

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Accession to the EU implies deepening democratic processes, strengthening institutions, and their greater efficiency and accountability.

However, the conference also cast a critical eye on Serbia's internal trajectory. Di Veroli pointed to a perceived "democratic backsliding" in recent years, which has consequently narrowed the operational space for civil society organizations. Despite facing considerable pressures, these organizations have demonstrated remarkable resilience. He further noted the vital role of independent and free media as pillars of democracy, while simultaneously acknowledging the significant challenges they face in Serbia, including political pressures, media ownership concentration, and economic vulnerabilities, particularly at the local level.

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Serbia has faced a decline in democracy in recent years, which has led to a narrowing of the space for the activities of civil society organizations, which, despite pressures, show resilience.

Representatives from civil society organizations, such as Jelena Žunić Cicvarić of the Užice Center for Children's Rights and Bojana Džulović from the Belgrade Open School, underscored the importance of extending these crucial discussions beyond the capital, Belgrade, into local communities, mediarooms, schools, and families. They observed that in smaller towns like Užice, discussions about European integration can encounter resistance or obstruction from local authorities, as critical questions are not always welcomed. Džulović pointedly noted the absence of representatives from state institutions responsible for European integration at the conference, interpreting it as a telling message about the government's attitude towards civil society engagement. Both speakers concluded that the academic community, professional media, and civil society currently serve as the key bearers of European values within Serbia, highlighting their indispensable role in advocating for democratic reforms and progress.

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It is important that discussions about the European Union are held outside of Belgrade as well, in local communities, media editorial offices, schools, and families.