EAGER TO JOIN? A STUDY OF EURO-ENTHUSIASM IN SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
EAGER TO JOIN? A STUDY OF EURO-ENTHUSIASM IN SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO

Summary/Abstract: This study compares the relations of Serbia and Montenegro to the EU, with specific regard to their citizens’ support for EU membership. The two countries differ in terms of the Euro-enthusiasm of their citizens: while support for EU membership has been decreasing in Serbia, it is quite the contrary in Montenegro. Euro-enthusiasm is analyzed through three factors that influence it: democratic scope (examined) through several indicators such as governance, corruption, civil society, etc.), rhetoric and attitudes of local politicians, and the influence of country-specific requirements of the EU. The study argues that, while both countries show improvement in democratic capacities as part of their approximation processes, it is country-specific conditions coming from the EU and local politicians’ interpretation of and reaction to these that shape public attitudes. Thus, it shows that issues such as cooperation with the ICTY and the independence of Kosovo cause a decline in positive attitudes of Serbian citizens towards the EU.

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