Europe&Us 
CEP Briefs
The Western Balkans and the COVID-19
This policy brief underscores outstanding issues that emerged during the COVID-19 crisis with possible long-term consequences on the functioning of democracy and rule of law in the six countries of the Western Balkans – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
What have we learned from the COVID-19 crisis in terms of Sino-Serbian relations?
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Serbian and international expert community has become alarmed by Serbia’s overwhelming emphasis on China in its fight against the virus. Coupled with a statement proclaiming the end of European solidarity by the Serbian President as a result of the EU’s untimely assistance, recent developments in Sino-Serbian relations warrant attention – especially from the perspective of Serbia’s EU accession process.
Effective benchmarking for concrete rule of law reforms in the Western Balkans
At the outset of a new political and institutional cycle of the EU, 2019 has been a year of many unknowns. For the countries of the Western Balkans, the direction of the future development of EU enlargement policy has been a key concern. During the mandate of the previous European Commission (EC) it has been clear for some time that there is discontent on the side of EU member states concerning the on-the ground effects of the enlargement methodology.
Curbing the executive bias in EU enlargement policy for a stronger democracy in the Western Balkans
Almost two decades have passed since the countries of the Western Balkans (WB) began their way on the European integration process. From today’s perspective, however, the region’s prospects of achieving EU membership in the foreseeable future appear rather grim.
EU Sentiments of Serbia’s Citizens
This policy brief aims to uncover the motivating factors for EU membership support in Serbia by employing advanced statistical methods. Based on the results, it develops a set of recommendations for a communication strategy and initiatives aimed at boosting citizens’ support for EU membership.
Evidence-based and inclusive policymaking in the Western Balkans
The space for civil society contribution has been gradually shrinking across the Western Balkans, making it harder for civil society organisations to actively take part in the policymaking process in their home countries.
Serbia’s Pursuit of Interests in the EU
The interaction between the EU and Serbia is expected to increase in the following phases of the EU accession process. However, the research on how Serbia is pursuing its interests in Brussels is rather scarce and at the same time there is very little policy debate on that issue.
Policy Making and EU Accession Negotiations
If Serbia is to approach European Union accession as a process of becoming a capable and credible member state and not simply as a project of achieving membership status, it will need to thoroughly reform its policy making system.