With farmers dealing with a wide range of challenges, from rising costs and impacts felt from the war in Ukraine, it is clear that European policymakers are struggling to address farmer’s needs. This brings into question the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) – traditionally known as one of the earliest and most significant aspects of European integration. Launched in 1962, the CAP sought to support farmers, improve agricultural productivity, and safeguard Europe’s food supply. Currently, the CAP has a budget of over €380 billion, which still represents almost a quarter of the total EU budget. It is fair to say that the CAP has transformed Europe and its agricultural sector. Having said this, the recent protests pose questions about whether the measures the EU takes within the context of this central policy area, from income support and market interventions to rural development measures, are enough. It is also important to explore how WB countries navigate the challenges presented by their agricultural sectors, particularly in relation to the CAP, and what role the EU plays in assisting these countries in aligning their agricultural policies with EU standards. As this new crisis will put Europe’s problem-solving capabilities to the test, it will be of paramount importance to see how the EU manages to juggle extensive internal protests with a new push for further enlargement.

Članak Europe’s farmers taking to the streets: What will come of the recent disruptions? se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

Additionally, it scrutinises the controversial aspects of EXPO 2027, such as the use of a special law, financial implications, and the future of iconic structures like Hall 1 (Hala 1) within the Belgrade Fair complex. By examining these complexities and potential issues, the paper seeks to shed light on the intricate dynamics of hosting an EXPO exhibition, offering recommendations for an approach that maximises the benefits while addressing the challenges, ultimately contributing to the balanced development of Serbia and its strategic positioning in the Western Balkans and the EU integration process.

This brief was originally produced for CeSPI ETS (Center for International Policy Studies) from Italy. The original brief in English can be found at this link.

Članak Belgrade’s EXPO 2027 shining light and shadows se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

The low rates of natural population growth combined with emigration surpassing immigration pose challenges for the domestic labour market and the overall economy. While Serbia has been grappling with economic emigrations since the 1960s, recent times have witnessed new patterns in line with global trends: among the more educated population, there are so-called circular migrations, involving repeated legal migrations of the same individual between two or more countries. Simultaneously, thanks to new technologies, it is possible to work from Serbia for a foreign employer, which has a positive impact on the return of Serbian citizens to their country of origin.

The Economic Migration Strategy of the Republic of Serbia for the period 2021–2027 was adopted in 2020, along with its accompanying Action Plan. This is the first public document that addresses this area and attempts to provide state measures aimed at slowing down emigration and attracting returnees. The adoption of this strategy inspired our project, and one of our initial goals was to assess the Action Plan of the Strategy. The Assessment of the Action Plan was published at the midpoint of its implementation cycle so that its findings could be utilized in the preparation of a new plan. Its aim was to systematically analyze the Action Plan for the implementation of the Economic Migration Strategy and, based on that analysis, objectively assess, and inform policymakers and decision-makers about the results achieved in the ongoing implementation of the Strategy. Additionally, it aimed to provide recommendations for potential corrective measures going
forward.

The second goal of the project was to familiarize ourselves with the comparative experiences of European countries regarding economic migrations. Specifically, this involved examining the legislative framework regulating this area, assessing whether it is more advanced compared to the domestic one, and exploring how roles in addressing these issues are distributed among the state, civil sector, and other stakeholders (private sector, academic community, media), and investigating the measures implemented by the state to encourage the return of emigrants to their country of origin.

Comparative experiences demonstrate that the existence of organizations dedicated to supporting returnees, considering aspects such as their return, economic activity in their home country, as well as scientific and professional careers, significantly influences migration decisions. Therefore, a segment of our project was focused on assessing the support available to circular migrants through programs on the Returning Point and eGovernment portals. Additionally, our aim was to provide recommendations suggesting directions for enhancing existing services or establishing new ones for circular migrants. This aspect of the project addressed the question of to what extent these two portals encourage and facilitate the process of circular migrations through the various forms of support they offer.

One of the project’s objectives was also to engage the local level in the discourse on circular migrations. By enhancing the capabilities of several civil society organizations chosen for their ability to represent diverse regions in our country, we empowered local stakeholders to address the issue of economic migration more actively. The ultimate goal is for the selected civil society organizations to evolve into Regional Centers of Excellence for economic migrations in the future. This transformation would enable them to actively participate in constructive dialogues on migration-related public policies and contribute to the development of optimal solutions for the regions they represent.

Članak Recommendations for improving the circular migration management process se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

Circular migration represents an innovative response to the challenges of demographic decline and population outflow in Serbia. This migration model allows the country to harness the benefits of migration, transfer knowledge and capital from abroad, thus contributing to its economic development.

However, circular migrants face specific challenges due to frequent changes in their place of residence, requiring tailored services and support. Managing circular migration requires careful consideration to meet their needs and create favourable conditions for their return with new skills and experiences, thus strengthening Serbia’s competitive advantages in the global market. Based on these assumptions, this policy brief provides recommendations for enhancing support for circular migrants, thereby contributing to Serbia’s economic and social development. The brief analyses the significance and effectiveness of two key platforms – the eGovernment portal and the Returning Point – in supporting circular migrants and returnees to Serbia. Through a detailed qualitative and quantitative analysis, challenges and potential solutions related to the use of these portals are explored. Additionally, user satisfaction is considered, their specific needs are examined, and potential improvements are proposed

Članak Circular Migration: Does Serbia Have a Solution? se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

Public procurement, as a process through which government agencies acquire goods and services from external sources, represents one of the essential areas in Serbia’s EU accession process, covered by Chapter 5. The importance of this chapter was heightened in 2020 with the introduction of the Revised Enlargement Methodology.

The inclusion of public procurement as an integral component of the Fundamentals cluster was a pivotal development, aligning it with other indispensable domains such as the rule of law, democratic institutions, public administration reforms, economic criteria, and more. Upon entering the EU, Serbian companies will gain the valuable right to participate in every public procurement opportunity across the EU alongside businesses from member states. Therefore, Serbia’s entire public procurement system, post-accession, must be carefully designed as a level-playing field, ensuring equal opportunities for all potential bidders from across the EU.

This proactive preparation will not only facilitate the EU accession process but also equip Serbian companies to access the significantly larger public procurement market within the EU. Additionally, public procurement holds a central position in managing EU Structural Funds because each country independently conducts procurements through these funds. This strategic approach plays a pivotal role in fostering economic growth and enhancing competitiveness during and after the accession process. European Commission, 2020, Enhancing the accession process – A credible EU perspective for the Western Balkans September 2023.

Although the EU’s endeavour aimed to underscore the paramount importance of fulfilling the public procurement benchmarks, it failed to incite substantive changes on the ground. Numerous challenges persist and continue to exert adverse effects on the functioning of the state. The vulnerability of public procurement in Serbia to irregularities stems from several key issues. A limited number of bidders and a substantial proportion of single- bid procurements indicate restricted competition, resulting in higher prices and diminished value for money. Furthermore, prioritising price criteria over striking a balance between price and quality considerations can undermine the overall quality and effectiveness of the acquired goods and services. Another critical concern is the excessive reliance on exemptions, which can potentially lead to reduced competition and transparency. These problems underscore the urgency of addressing challenges within the public procurement system. Ensuring transparency and integrity of public procurement is vital to preclude any misuse or mismanagement of public funds and, in turn, deliver high-quality services that genuinely serve the needs of citizens.

This is particularly important as a well-functioning public procurement system can be a driving force behind an efficient public sector, building trust, and upholding the principles of accountability and fairness. By analysing the lack of competition and excessive use of exemptions within Serbia’s public procurement system, this paper seeks to shed light on critical areas for improvement and pave the way for crucial reforms that will enhance the efficiency and integrity of the public procurement processes in Serbia, benefitting both the government and its citizens alike.

Članak Unveiling Challenges in Serbian Public Procurement se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

The 2022 Russian aggression against Ukraine has triggered the most substantial migration surge across Europe since World War II. Amid the millions of Ukrainians seeking refuge within the European Union’s borders from the war, Serbia, as an EU candidate country, is grappling with a significant influx of Russian expatriates, who are escaping political oppression and the looming spectre of conscription in their homeland.

Remarkably, as Turkey increasingly began to reject Russian residence permit applications, Serbia rose to prominence among the top three preferences for Russian migrants. Inspired by strong historical ties and memories of a past wave of White emigres seeking refuge after the Russian Empire’s downfall, Serbia has warmly embraced its new Russian emigrants, viewing this influx as an opportunity for a youthful, skilled workforce that can boost the economy and bridge demographic gaps.

Yet, beneath the surface of this generous front lies a compelling question: What rewards will Serbia reap in exchange for its hospitality beyond the prospect of escalated rent prices? In this analysis, the focus shifts to delving into the intricacies of Serbia’s recent arrival of Russian emigrants, scrutinising the potential challenges this dynamic presents for the nation’s future.

Članak Russian Migration Surge in Serbia se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

„Germany, Austria and Switzerland are the most popular destinations for people from Serbia who go to work or study abroad. Once they leave, they rarely come back.“

„Most of the Serbian citizens who go to work or study abroad choose Western Europe.“

Is it really like this? Find out in our new infographic created as part of the Circular Migration before depopulation! project.

Članak Mythbusters se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine has intensified existing geopolitical tensions throughout 2022 and into 2023, exposing persistent rule of law deficiencies and other governance gaps in Southeast Europe (SEE-9). This in turn has spurred efforts to renew the stalled EU integration and consolidation process, which serves as the main driver of good governance reforms in the region.

The current report builds upon international and EU measures to strengthen the rule of law, and highlights the critical areas of impact that could be achieved through public-private partnerships. This second SEE Good Governance Report focuses on the big data tools necessary to identify the existence of ill-gained assets hidden by politically exposed persons (PEPs). These tools could help counter state and media capture practices in the region, preventing authoritarian tendencies, including foreign malign influence, from threatening the Euro-Atlantic democratization of Southeast Europe.

Članak Rolling Back State Capture in Southeast Europe se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

It is often said that Serbia is facing a serious emigration problem that needs to be solved strategically. These views are supported by the data that the Global Competitiveness Index 2018–2019 ranked Serbia 134th out of 137 countries in the context of its ability to retain talent or prevent a “brain drain”, as well as the impression that many sectors in Serbia are affected by the trend of increased emigration of qualified workers such as nurses, bus and truck drivers, and highly educated experts of various profiles, primarily doctors and engineers. It is concluded that better working conditions and prospects for career development offered in developed countries, especially in the EU, are the strongest motivating factors for emigration.

On the other hand, although less often, opinions can be heard that a large part of the migration diagnosis that is dealt with in the public sphere is not quite well interpreted. It is argued that the distorted parts of information from the very complicated migration statistics are inadequately translated into “general knowledge” and the widespread
view that one of the most urgent problems facing Serbian society and the economy is mass emigration from Serbia, and especially the exodus of the “best and brightest”. This
attitude significantly influenced the Government’s migration policy, so in 2019 the first version of the Strategy on Economic Migration was almost entirely focused on ways
to prevent brain drain and measures to stimulate return. A significantly more balanced version of this document was adopted as the final Strategy on Economic Migration of the Republic of Serbia for the period 2021-2027.

Članak Action plan on Economic Migration 2021-2023 se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

The issue of migration in Serbia has been approached fatalistically in the last few years, by often presenting information that is not completely accurate in order to create the image that especially the most talented are leaving Serbia. The reality is different: the educational structure of people leaving the country is similar to the level of education of the resident population.

Nevertheless, the pressure coming from the public was transferred to the decision-makers, which motivated the adoption of the first migration strategy in 2019, which focused almost entirely on ways to prevent population outflow. A little later adopted Economic Migration Strategy of the Republic of Serbia for the period 2021-2027 softened the tone of the first version of the document, but the measures adopted due to concerns about the so-called “brain drain” phenomenon sought to encourage the return of highly educated individuals to Serbia.

A number of measures with generous tax incentives aimed at attracting highly qualified individuals were adopted even before the adoption of the Strategy. Concern about the “brain drain” also motivated the proposal to exempt qualified individuals from paying the annual income tax, which is normally paid by an insignificant number of 1% of the Serbian population.

Research that was recently published suggests that individuals with lower education leave Serbia more than highly qualified ones, and that the story of the „brain drain“ is exaggerated. In the example of the countries of the Western Balkans, which Leitner (2021) observed in the period 2010-2019, showed that all countries recorded net emigration – the number of emigrants was greater than the number of immigrants. However, there are differences in results based on people’s age and level of education. Her results show that evidence of a “brain drain” exists only for Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo*. On the other hand, there is no outflow in Serbia, but an influx of those with higher education, that is, more of them come to Serbia than leave it. The key drivers of this trend are students, who return to the country after completing their tertiary education abroad. Serbia attracts a significant number of foreign students, of which a large share is from the region, mostly Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. According to the level of education, net emigration exists only among those with secondary education and it is most pronounced among individuals with a diploma of secondary medical school.

Arandarenko (2022) explains the reasons for these flows by the tax and social system in Serbia which, for the last twenty years, has been mainly discriminatory against low-skilled and medium-skilled labor, poor workers, large families, people in rural areas and other vulnerable and underprivileged groups.

In the following, we analyze migration flows in three EU member states: Estonia, Bulgaria and Ireland. The reasons for choosing these three countries, whose experiences in attracting returnees we want to examine, stem from the idea of focusing on countries that are closer to Serbia in terms of income, so it was natural to look for candidates among the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. We wanted a country that is similar to Serbia in terms of socio-economic indicators, and that is why the choice fell on Bulgaria, and Estonia was chosen because it is marked as a successful in several areas – digitization of public administration, which could introduce us to some useful solutions in attracting returnees, but also the enviable economic recovery after the 2008 crisis. We chose Ireland because it is a traditionally emigrant country, and we wanted to see if the reasons for return and the state’s measures to attract returnees differ in the case of richer and more developed countries.

Within each country, we discuss migration trends with reference to the last few decades. Next, we consider the current institutional structure that deals with migratory movements, as well as measures to support returnees.

Članak Circular and return migrations: experiences of Estonia, Bulgaria and Ireland se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

Although today, it is much easier to emigrate from Serbia than it used to be in the past – primarily due to the termination of sanctions and the democratisation process, and later, visa liberalisation and bilateral agreements with some European Union (EU) countries on the facilitated movement of labour, Serbia hopes for further procedure simplification, especially in the context of EU integration. As an EU candidate, Serbia should be ready for all the upcoming changes. Experience of EU countries, some of which have already gone or are currently going through the problems that are awaiting Serbia in the upcoming years – lack of qualified labour force, population ageing, the increased outflow of the population after the EU integration are of great importance for decision-makers in Serbia.

By learning from others, Serbia could save much time in searching for a circular and return migration management model and measures to encourage such migration. Accordingly, this paper analyses the state of play in circular and return migrations in Serbia, as well as the situation and measures in three EU countries that faced large population outflow and found different ways to deal with it – Estonia, Ireland, and Bulgaria. It aims to identify circular migrants’ needs and to point out examples of good practices, mistakes made, and final results in the abovementioned countries, as these could be used as a guide in circular migration management in Serbia

Članak Circular and return migration: What can Serbia learn from EU countries’ experiences? se pojavljuje prvo na European Policy Centre.

Public procurement represents an area of ​​high corruption risk according to the assessment of the Organization for European Cooperation and Development (OECD) and potentially large costs in the form of direct losses in case of abuses, mismanagement, violation of procedures, etc., and therefore requires special attention precisely in order to reduce corruption risks.

• How is the field of public procurement regulated in Serbia and what has been done since 2015 until now?

• How does the European Commission evaluate this area, and how do the reports of independent initiatives?

• How much is spent on public procurement?

• What is the average number of offers per concluded contract?

• What principle is applied in public procurement?

• Is there continuity in disputed public procurements?

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