College of Europe, Natolin campus, 9 October 2024
Eyes wide shut: How EU member states reject democracy in the Western Balkans in favour of geostrategy
Prof. Dr. Ivanka Popovic, Former Rector, University of Belgrade

The lecture will focus on key changes in Serbia since 2012 when the Serbian Progressive Party came into power. Particular emphasis will be placed on the deterioration of democratic values and governing procedures and how they have affected various aspects of political and economic reality in Serbia and the daily life of its citizens. The EU response to these changes, as well as the lack of progress in Serbian accession to the EU and its effect on other potential EU members in the region, will be discussed.

The resulting and increasing Euroscepticism by previously pro-EU citizens in Serbia, as well as the outright rejection of the EU by most conservative parties, are a cause for serious concern. A more dedicated and concerted effort by the EU is needed to change the Serbian perception of the EU. These actions could rekindle trust not only in Serbia, but also in the western Balkans. The influence of countries such as Russia, China, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia and the USA, as well as multinational companies, on the integration track of Western Balkan countries will be considered.