Aligning national ageing policy with global principles: Serbia and the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

Population ageing poses a significant societal challenge throughout Europe, and Serbia is no exception, with its population ranking among the oldest on the continent. This paper examines the extent to which the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing (MIPAA) has influenced national ageing policies in Serbia, a country facing accelerated demographic ageing, pronounced regional disparities, and limited institutional capacity. Drawing on qualitative policy analysis and secondary data synthesis, the study assesses the Strategy for Active and Healthy Ageing in Serbia (2024?2030) through a normative and institutional lens, focusing on its alignment with core MIPAA principles?such as intergenerational solidarity, human rights, and active ageing. The analysis employs a document review approach, guided by key dimensions of MIPAA, to evaluate both strategic content and implementation capacity. The findings indicate that while Serbia has made progress in policy formulation and awareness-raising, substantial challenges remain in financing, stakeholder coordination, and service delivery. Gender-based inequalities, particularly affecting older women, and structural constraints in rural and underdeveloped areas are also highlighted. The discussion reflects on how global trends? including digitalization, climate change, and public health risks?interact with ageing policy agendas. The study contributes to understanding how international frameworks shape national responses in transitional settings, offering insights relevant to other post-socialist countries facing similar demographic and institutional challenges.