Changing approaches to security / Policy Brief
Serbia: Tying the EU in knots
08/04/2010 By Judy Batt
The Spanish presidency of the EU began 2010 on a positive note for the Western Balkans, and for Serbia in particular: in December 2009, the European Council decided to unfreeze the implementation of the Interim Trade Agreement with Serbia and lift the visa regime for Serbian citizens (and for those of Macedonia and Montenegro).
Encouraged by these developments, the Serbian government submitted a formal application for EU membership. Pro-EU feeling is currently running high in Serbia, and there exists a hope that EU membership could be on the cards during the next few years.
According to this Policy Brief by Judy Batt, the Spanish presidency is facing a significant challenge: it must maintain momentum in its relations with Serbia so as not to disappoint the Balkan country. However, prioritising Serbia above its neighbouring states could be risky, and there are still many issues that must be dealt with. The most controversial of these is Kosovo.
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Keywords
Enlargement EU European Union Serbia Spain Western BalkansBio author: Judy Batt
Western Balkans. Serbia. Kosovo. Bosnia and Herzegovina. Russia. Central and South-East European politics. International security.
