Fiscal Decentralization in the Republic of Serbia from 2000 to 2024

This paper analyses the evolution of fiscal decentralization in Serbia from 2000 to 2024, identifying key legislative changes, institutional mechanisms, and practical challenges in transferring fiscal responsibilities from central to local levels of government. Using descriptive and comparative analysis, the research examines fiscal decentralization in the context of broader democratic and economic transition, focusing on the degree of fiscal autonomy of local governments, regional disparities, and sustainability of reforms. The results show a significant gap between the legislative framework and practical implementation, pronounced impact of economic crises on recentralization tendencies, and persistent differences in administrative capacities of local governments. Comparative analysis with relevant experiences of other transition economies enables the formulation of recommendations for improving the system of intergovernmental fiscal relations and achieving a more efficient balance between national fiscal coherence and local autonomy.