Serbia plays a key geopolitical and economic role in the Western Balkans, especially in today’s volatile and hostile global context, making its aspiration to join the European Union a strategic priority for the Union. In more than a decade since it began accession talks, the country has opened 22 of the 35 chapters of the EU acquis and provisionally closed two. Serbia is well aligned with the Union in economic terms and has declared its readiness to start Cluster 3 on Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth, in line with the European Commission’s recommendation. Yet, domestic political turmoil and disagreements with the EU’s foreign policy decisions continue to raise significant obstacles on its path to the EU. 

Given the Union’s renewed interest in enlargement following Russia’s war in Ukraine, how is Serbia working to seize the current geopolitical momentum for accession? What are its reform priorities? How is the country addressing ongoing internal tensions? What is the government’s plan when it comes to meeting democratic conditions and aligning with the Union’s foreign and security policy? How is Belgrade contributing to regional stability? And what can the EU do more and better to help Serbia?

This in-person Policy Briefing with the Speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, will discuss Serbia’s domestic political situation, EU integration efforts, main reform priorities, and prospects for accession.

Participation is open to EPC members only, the media, and EU officials