Alignment of the Republic of Serbia with the Common Foreign, Security and Defense Policy of the EU: Obligations, Achievements, and Challenges

Abstract: As an EU candidate country, Serbia has obligations to show its willingness to align with the Union’s common positions and joint actions in the CFSP/CSDP, support its positions in international organizations, take part in EU military and civil missions, and impose sanctions and other restrictive EU measures. Explanatory and bilateral screening meetings between Serbia and the European Union in the area of the Common Foreign, Security and Defense Policy were held in 2014. However, the European Commission Screening Report for Chapter 31, which covers this area, has not yet been adopted. Meanwhile, relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation have been significantly damaged by the Ukrainian crisis, and mutual sanctions were imposed. In such a complex international environment, Serbia wants to demonstrate its commitment to European integration while trying not to disrupt traditionally good relations and political and economic cooperation with Russia. Apparently, the consequences of the changes in international relations on a global level have affected the process of Serbia’s alignment with the EU in the area of the Common Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy. Unfortunately, if the current state of affairs persists, this could affect the overall integration process and Serbia’s European perspective.