Serbia has always been one of the pivotal countries in the Balkans and has led the process of Yugoslav unity. Belgrade has been an intellectual laboratory for Europe: Milovan Djilas’ influential book The New Class has raised people’s awareness about the crisis of Socialism in Eastern Europe and has contributed to the emergence of a renewed, non-communist left in Europe.
Moreover, Serbia has always been a vibrant melting pot of European cultures. During the 1990s, this multicultural environment was challenged by nationalism and ethnicity. But Serbia has proved itself to be able to recover from the dark years of Slobodan Milosevic and it is now ready to be a leader of the new Europe.
As the Italian writer Claudio Magris wrote: “It is difficult to say where Belgrade stands, it is hard to define the protean identity and the extraordinary vivacity of this incredible city which has been destroyed many times but has always risen again like a Phoenix from its ashes.”
Since Serbia is an integral part of European civilisation and culture, there can be no European project without Serbia. The Thessaloniki European Council of June 2003 recognised Serbia as a potential candidate for EU accession but much has still to be done to further integrate Serbia into Europe. In this regard, I want to be clear: Serbia must be a full member of the European Union.
To have a stronger EU in the Balkans and a stronger Serbia in Europe, four challenges have to be addressed.
First, democracy and the rule of law need to be strengthened in the Balkans. For Serbia the EU can be an anchor for stability. Corruption has to be tackled at any level as the country ranks high in the corruption perceptions index according to Transparency International. The independence, transparency and accessibility of justice should also be improved as pointed out by the Council of Europe.
Secondly, it is necessary to normalise the relationship between Kosovo and Serbia. On the one hand, Kosovo should acknowledge that the cultural roots of Serbia are in Kosovo and should ensure the protection of the Serbian civilians living in its territory. On the other, Serbia should be willing to accept Kosovo’s independence as a fait accompli.
Thirdly, the EU and Serbia should join efforts in fighting transnational crime as well as human, drug and arms trafficking.
Fourthly, economic integration between Serbia and the EU should be enhanced.
Serbia has still a relatively closed economy (the combined value of exports and imports account for only 78% of its GDP) characterised by a significant deficit of the trade account balance. In December 2009, the EU Council endorsed the EU-Serbia Interim Agreement on Trade and Trade-related issues: trade integration with the European Union, if accompanied by structural reforms designed to improve competitiveness, can help Serbia to reduce its trade account deficit by boosting exports towards the EU.
The international community should not underestimate the complexity of these issues. Only together with the EU, can Serbia overcome these crucial challenges. Otherwise, Serbia will be me marginalised, undermined by resentment, anger and desire for vengeance and the stability of the Balkans will be at risk. A stronger Europe needs a stable and reconciled Serbia.
MEP Gianni Pittella (S&D) is first vice president of the European Parliament.
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