Serbia and the European Union: A Decade of Negotiating Challenges (2014–2024)

The article analyses Serbia’s EU accession negotiations (2014–2024), focusing on the interplay between domestic politics and foreign policy objectives. Serbia’s pragmatic foreign policy balances EU aspirations with strategic partnerships (Russia, China, US), reflecting its historical context (Non-Aligned Movement) and the Kosovo issue. Employing a qualitative methodology, including a literaturereview and 2024 interviews with Serbian political actors (politicians, experts, and public servants) this article discusses challenges in the EU negotiations and the insignificant progress, pointing out the unresolved Kosovo issue as one of the major political obstacles. Despite the Serbian government’s stated priorities, the analysis suggests a disconnect between the rhetoric and actions of both the EU and Serbian political elite. The EU’s commitment to the region is evident (e.g., Western Balkans Growth Plan), but Serbia’s internal challenges and ambivalent stance significantly diminish the likelihood of swift EU accession. This article offers insights into the complexities of Serbia’s EU integration seen from the perspective of domestic political actors.