Publisher: BCBP Beogradski centar za bezbednosnu politiku

Towards a Western Balkans Battle-Group. A Vision of Serbia's Defence Integration into the EU 2010–2020.

Towards a Western Balkans Battle-Group. A Vision of Serbia's Defence Integration into the EU 2010–2020.

Author(s): Filip Ejdus,Marko Savković,Nataša Dragojlović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Western Balkans; NATO;

The aim of this policy vision is to offer arguments for Serbia's proactive integration into the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) through the implementation of the Battlegroup concept in the period running up to 2020. In the following text, we will first present a short overview of the CSDP and the concept of EU Battlegroups. Next, we explain why it is in the interest of the Republic of Serbia to participate in EU Battlegroups as soon as possible. Special attention is directed to arguments which explain why the creation of a Western Balkans Battlegroup before 2020 is in the interest not only of Serbia and her neighbours, but also of the EU as a whole. Finally,a four-phase model for the inclusion of Serbia into an EU Battlegroup is presented. The model encompasses (1)a preparation and observation phase(2010-2012), (2) an adaptation phase (2013-2015), (3) a phase of advanced participation, planning and preparation (2016–2018) and (4) a phase of development of initial operational capability and the formation of the Western Balkans Battlegroup (2018–2020).

Meaning of Security and Theory of Securitization

Meaning of Security and Theory of Securitization

Author(s): Vladimir Šulović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Security; securitization; traditionalists; wideners; realism; social constructivism; speech act;

Since its inception, the security studies represent the core of the International Relations, predominantly dealing with the issues of war and peace. In the years following the Second World War security studies have become a synonym for Strategic Studies with a distinct focus on the military sector. However, with the growing complexity of the international relations` agenda, namely with the rise of economic and environmental challenges count, emergence of the new security challenges, risks and threats, emergence of the new international relations` actors, the traditional view of the sole concept of security, that is, its essence, has become too narrow … The question is whether there is a generally accepted definition of the meaning of concept of security in theory and whether it should be regarded as an “essentially contested concept“ (Baldwin, 1997: 5) or it is more suitable to say that the concept itself is insufficiently explained and blurry. Anyway, the security concept can be “dangerously ambiguous” (Wolfers 1952) should it be used without additional specifications.

Territorial and Border Demarcation Disputes in the Western Balkans. Case study: Territorial and boundary disputes between Serbia and Kosovo

Territorial and Border Demarcation Disputes in the Western Balkans. Case study: Territorial and boundary disputes between Serbia and Kosovo

Author(s): Zorana Brozović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Western Balkans; border demarcation; Bujanovac; Preševo; territorial disputes;

Territorial and border demarcation disputes brought diverse challenges to republics and provinces funded after dissolution of SFR Yugoslavia. Overview of the issues and lessons that have been identified regionally inWestern Balkans are presented in regional study „Drawing boundaries in Western Balkans: A peoples‘ perspective“. This case study provides an overview of peoples‘ perspective on terriotorial and boundary issues in South Serbia, near administrative boundary with Kosovo and Metohija. Data for this research were collected in Bujanovac. // Underdevelopment is the biggest challenge of this community. Participants in this region stated that society is devided along ethnic lines and other problems are non-recogniton of degrees awarded in Kosovo, the prolonged presence of armed forces in this region and lack of freedom of movement for the people living in Kosovo. Whith the recommendations of this paper We are addressing Government of Serbia, local authorities and the international community.

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Rule of Law in the Western Balkans

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Rule of Law in the Western Balkans

Author(s): Bojan Elek,Katarina Đokić,Sofija Mandić,Andrej Stefanović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia's EU-accession; Rule of Law in Serbia; Commitment to Europe;

This national study on monitoring and evaluation of the rule of law in Serbia reflects on the development in the areas Political criteria, Chapter 23 and 24 from the acquis, for the period after the 2015 Country Report by the European Commission. The purpose of this policy study is to assess the trends in the areas under analysis in the Republic of Serbia. The study is conducted within the framework of the project Monitoring and Evaluation of the Rule of Law in Western Balkans (MERLIN WB), conducted by the European Policy Institute – Skopje in partnership with Institute Alternativa from Montenegro and the Belgrade Center for Security Policy from Serbia and funded by the European Fund for the Balkans. Based on the country studies, a policy paper covering the three countries (Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia) will be produced.

Civil capacity building in the Western Balkans - comparative analysis

Izgradnja civilnih kapaciteta na Zapadnom Balkanu – komparativna analiza

Author(s): Maja Bjeloš / Language(s): Serbian

Keywords: Peacekeeping missions;

In this text, we will present the current practices of sending civilians to peacekeeping missions from the countries of the Western Balkans, the shortcomings that need to be overcome in order to increase the involvement of civilians in international missions and organizations, as well as an examination of the potential of individual countries for building civilian expertise. The comparative analysis is based, first of all, on the analysis of the initial situation in the field of civil capacity building, which was carried out in 2014. The initial analysis of the state of civilian capacities was carried out in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, Macedonia and Serbia, in cooperation with the Institute for Democracy and Mediation (Albania), the Center for Security Studies (Bosnia and Herzegovina), the Center for Peace Studies ( Croatia), the Independent Research Center - Analitika (Macedonia), the Alternative Institute (Montenegro), the Belgrade Center for Security Policy (Serbia) in cooperation with the Norwegian Institute of International Relations (NUPI). The research results were presented in an academic journal in English. The initial analysis was completed with data obtained during interviews and expert consultations with key government actors, as well as with the analysis of secondary sources, i.e. the results of research in this area.

What is the individual Action Plan for the Partnership of Serbia and NATO?

Šta je individualni Akcioni Plan partnerstva Srbije i NATO?

Author(s): Nevena Radosavljević / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia and NATO; crisis management; Serbia's European integration; IPAP;

The glossary offers basic information about what the Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) of Serbia and NATO represents and contains. The main areas of cooperation between Serbia and NATO through IPAP are concerning politics and security, defense and military issues, public diplomacy, scientific cooperation, crisis management systems and planning in emergency situations, as well as the protection of classified information. Bearing in mind the areas of interest, the IPAP largely coincides with the European integration process and it confirms Serbia's obligations from the negotiations with the Union. In order to make it easier to understand the nature and content of this Plan, the basic characteristics that distinguish it from individual agreements signed by Serbia with NATO have been highlighted. Also, numerous other mechanisms of Serbia's cooperation with NATO were presented, to which the Republic of Serbia committed itself by signing the IPAP. The publication of this publication was supported by the Embassy of Great Britain in Belgrade through the "IPAP in the vernacular language" project. The views expressed in this publication are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of Great Britain.

Integrity Assessment in Security Sector in Serbia

Integrity Assessment in Security Sector in Serbia

Author(s): Predrag Petrović,Saša Đorđević,Katarina Đokić,Vladimir Erceg / Language(s): English

Keywords: transparency; police corruption; police management; whistleblower protection; public opinion; anti-corruption; security information agency; State Audit Institution; security and defence strategies

Over the past 14 years of police reform an opportunity has been missed to build a strong institutional framework for the work of the Ministry of the Interior. The consequence thereof is the unbalanced development of areas pivotal to police integrity. Thus, policing transparency has improved, and an Integrity Plan and Development Strategy have been adopted. However, police integrity is mostly influenced by politicisation and inappropriate management of human resources. The police force in Serbia is losing its operational independence and accountability due to the interests of political parties. The organisational unit responsible for the management of human resources is merely a technical body. In addition, effective planning of budget spending is not possible because in excess of 80% of the MoI budget is earmarked for wages. Finally, neither does the harmonised system of internal police control work that should simultaneously ensure that police act in accordance with the rules and to increase the police integrity. External policing oversight remains lax.

PrEUgovor : Report on Progress of Serbia in Chapters 23 and 24

PrEUgovor : Report on Progress of Serbia in Chapters 23 and 24

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia EU accession; European Commission (EC); Serbia-Kosovo relations; Anti-corruption goals; Gender-based violence; Migration policy; Asylum policy; Human trafficking

Over the past six months, the coalition PrEUgovor has been monitoring the state of play regarding the key policy areas in the process of Serbia’s accession to the EU. These areas include the political criteria and policies covered under chapters 23 and 24 of the European acquis in the negotiation process. The monitored period was marked by two key events: the release of Screening Reports for chapters 23 and 24 by the European Commission, and drafting of the Action Plans for these two chapters. Additionally, the Progress Report for Serbia for 2014 was released by the EC in October, so this report is envisaged as a commentary and an update to this document. This report presents concrete case studies, well researched and documented by the coalition’s members, in order to illustrate problems in the areas covered. Lastly, it also contains comments on the Action Plan draft for chapter 23. Generally, the progress in the areas covered by the PrEUgovor report can best be described as uneven and erratic. When it comes to normalization of relations between Serbia and Kosovo no progress was achieved, mostly due to elections and the inability to form the government in Pristina. Although there was change in legislation regarding civilian oversight of the security sector, the opportunity to systematically regulate this area was missed. The area of the fight against corruption witnessed partial progress with the adoption of new regulations, although the opportunity was missed to fulfil anti-corruption goals to a greater extent. In the area of the protection of women from gender-based violence, protection of children and protection of the victims of violence there was no further progress. In the migration and asylum policy areas no substantial progress was achieved. The same goes for the fight against human trafficking where there still exist numerous obstacles on the path towards full harmonization of domestic legal system with the European standards.

Parliaments on a Special Mission : Oversight of Implementation of Special Investigative Measures

Parliaments on a Special Mission : Oversight of Implementation of Special Investigative Measures

Author(s): Katarina Đokić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Special Investigative Measures (SIM); Privacy intrusion; Human rights; Corruption; Terrorism; Organized crime; Criminal investigation; National security; Council of Europe; Secret surveillance

Special Investigative Measures (SIM) are tools used by security and intelligence actors for criminal investigations and national security protection. These measures, characterized by their secretive nature, include activities like covert surveillance of communications, monitoring public and private spaces, and accessing personal data records. While essential for addressing modern security threats such as terrorism and organized crime, SIM pose significant risks to privacy and human rights, necessitating robust legal regulation and external oversight to prevent abuse. The oversight of SIM varies across European countries, with legislative and institutional frameworks designed to monitor their application. However, European guidelines like the Council of Europe’s 2005 recommendations and EU directives emphasize judicial or independent body oversight without explicitly requiring parliamentary involvement. These measures advocate for legislative controls, approval by judicial or independent bodies, and continued oversight during and after SIM implementation to safeguard against misuse. This paper reviews European practices in SIM oversight, focusing on trends and factors affecting effectiveness without delving into exhaustive classifications or analyses. It highlights the need for balancing security objectives with the protection of fundamental rights.

Parliamentary Questions as a Mechanism for Oversight of the Security Sector

Parliamentary Questions as a Mechanism for Oversight of the Security Sector

Author(s): Vladimir Erceg / Language(s): English

Keywords: Democracy; Parliament; National Assembly of Serbia; Constitution; Corruption; National budget; Parliamentary control

This document highlights the importance of tracking political party pledges to ensure democracy remains functional and accountable. Without such tracking, democracy risks being reduced to mere voter approval during elections, allowing political elites to focus solely on re-election strategies rather than serving the public will. Over time, this undermines democratic values and erodes confidence in institutions. The National Assembly of Serbia, as defined by the Constitution, is the supreme legislative body responsible for ensuring democratic checks and balances. It holds powers to oversee, control, and, if necessary, terminate the mandates of the government and individual ministers. This oversight is particularly crucial in the security sector due to its potential for power concentration, significant budget allocation, and its role in safeguarding citizens' rights. Parliament also serves as a critical intermediary between the public and executive power structures. The National Assembly employs several mechanisms to exercise its oversight role, including parliamentary questions, reports on government functioning, and interpellation. Parliamentary questions are a significant tool for scrutinizing government activities, particularly in the fields of security, defence, and internal affairs. These questions can address corruption and the management of resources within the security sector. An analysis of the eighth and ninth parliamentary terms (2008–2012) of Serbia's National Assembly reveals both the application and limitations of parliamentary questions in overseeing the executive. While this mechanism is widely used, shortcomings in its application were identified, prompting recommendations for improvement. The article underscores the necessity of enhancing these oversight tools to strengthen parliamentary control, especially in addressing corruption and ensuring transparency in the security sector.

Special Measures for Covert Data Collection : oversight handbook

Special Measures for Covert Data Collection : oversight handbook

Author(s): Predrag Petrović,Saša Đorđević,Katarina Đokić,Jelena Pejić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Surveillance; Security services; Security threats; Technology and communication; Suspect monitoring; Privacy infringement; Criminal proceedings; Money Laundering; National Assembly of Serbia; Criminal Procedure Code;

Wiretapping and tailing of suspects are the traditional mainstays of security service activity. However, the multiplication and growing complexity of security threats and risks, as well as development of technology and communications has led to an increase in the number and variety of techniques used to covertly gather data, such as secretly accessing people’s communications. Additionally, the number of government bodies and institutions implementing such measures has grown beyond the police and security services to include, for example, the Administration for the Prevention of Money Laundering and has also come to include private detective and investigative agencies. Today such measures are no longer applied only for preventative intelligence gathering but also in the course of criminal proceedings. The situation is further confounded by the fact that these activities are governed by a vast number of (unintegrated) regulations and by decreasing understanding of this field, both by the general public and by professionals. This is best illustrated by the fact that lawmakers use a variety of terms to define such measures in legislation: “special procedures and measures” (Law on the VBA and VOA), “special measures infringing on the privacy of correspondence and other communications” (Law on the BIA) and “special investigative activity” (Criminal Procedure Code).

Public Procurement and Gender Equality : its impact on women in the Security Sector in Serbia

Public Procurement and Gender Equality : its impact on women in the Security Sector in Serbia

Author(s): Aurelijan Djan / Language(s): English

Keywords: Public procurement systems; Gender perspectives in procurement; Security sector procurement; Human rights; Underrepresentation of women; Gender-sensitive statistics;

Despite the fact that public procurement systems in general bear a substantial impact on any given country’s economy, and, subsequently, on the everyday lives of their respective citizens, the social dimension of Serbia’s own public procurement system has been left neglected. Albeit that Serbia’s 2012 Public Procurement Law presents a positive step in its continuous effort to reform public procurement, the fact still remains that Serbia’s professional and academic community, as well as other parties involved in this process, have focused solely on the economic role of public procurements in terms of “procuring goods, services or labour assignments”.1 The result has been a serious lack of attention paid to the due impact of public procurements on social categories as a whole. Bearing in mind that gender perspectives are relevant to all sectors of society, it is important to understand how gender patterns differently affect the organization, implementation, and realization of public procurements as well as the consequences they produce. In this same unique regard, this paper takes as its focus public procurement in Serbia’s security sector in order to better understand the impact public procurements have on both women and men.

Communications Interception Measures and Data Retention from the Perspectives of Strasbourg, the Regulative Framework and Serbian Judicial Practice

Communications Interception Measures and Data Retention from the Perspectives of Strasbourg, the Regulative Framework and Serbian Judicial Practice

Author(s): Dušan Ignjatović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Privacy; Freedom; Totalitarian Regimes; Secret Police; Surveillance; CCTV; Hidden Cameras; Human Rights; European Court of Human Rights;

The security vs. privacy dilemma has been a subject of debate for decades. Even through the right to privacy is not decidedly affirmed by the constitutions of some democratic countries, it is clear that without privacy freedom would not be possible. This conclusion is confirmed by the histories of autocratic and totalitarian regimes, which have deployed secret police to suppress privacy and individual freedoms. On the other hand, the rise of new threats to security suggests freedom is not possible without protection. From the perspective of those who believe control is necessary, the problem lies in the fact that the impossibility of monitoring illegal activities makes it difficult to bring those responsible to account. On the other hand, tracking, surveillance, wiretapping, CCTV and hidden cameras are causes of dismay to those who have experienced draconian totalitarian regimes.

PrEUgovor : Report on Progress of Serbia in Chapters 23 and 24

PrEUgovor : Report on Progress of Serbia in Chapters 23 and 24

Author(s): Not Specified Author / Language(s): English

Keywords: Serbia EU accession; European Commission (EC); Serbia-Kosovo relations; Anti-corruption goals; Gender-based violence; Migration policy; Asylum policy; Human trafficking

Serbia officially started the negotiation process for its accession to European Union (EU) in January 2014, more than two years. So far, only two negotiation chapters have been opened: 32 (Financial Control), 35 (Other Issues, which in Serbia’s case, refers to Belgrade-Pristina relations), thus she was invited to prepare negotiation positions for two other chapters: 14 (Transport Policy) and 21 (Trans-European Networks). Negotiations on Chapters 23 (Judiciary and Fundamental Rights) and 24 (Justice, Freedom and Security), being of the most relevance for the following report, have yet to be opened, despite the facts that this was announced at the beginning of the negotiation process and that these chapters were the first to be opened during the latest round of EU enlargement. Finally, even though their opening has been scheduled for June 2016, this has also been called into doubt since Croatia, now an EU member state, recently raised reservations over certain issues covered by Chapter 23.

Combat Boots without a Fight

Combat Boots without a Fight

Author(s): Zoran Bašić,Nenad Radojčić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Public Procurement Procedures; Transparency; Cost Optimization; Public Spending; Transparency Challenges

The primary goal of a performance assessment is to promote the economical, efficient and effective implementation of public procurement procedures and thereby budget spending, as well as the management thereof and to contribute to accountability and transparency. A performance assessment should provide constructive incentives for persons in charge to take necessary measures in future procedures owing to which more will be gotten for less money and ensuring the procurement of what is really necessary, while meeting the required quality and volume.

A, B, C - Deployment of Civilian Capacities to International Peace Operations

A, B, C - Deployment of Civilian Capacities to International Peace Operations

Author(s): Denis Hadžović / Language(s): English

Keywords: Post-Cold War; Peacekeeping; Post-WWII reconstruction; Boutros Boutros-Ghali; Conflict prevention; United Nations (UN); Post-conflict countries;

Since the end of the Cold War, peacekeeping has evolved into a more complex, multidimensional effort, encompassing military, civilian, political, and humanitarian tasks. This shift marked the emergence of peacebuilding, a broader concept dating back to post-WWII reconstruction efforts. The term gained prominence in the early 1990s when UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali defined it as actions to support structures that solidify peace and prevent conflict relapse. Subsequent documents, including the Brahimi Report, expanded peacebuilding to include integrated strategies across all phases of conflict. Modern "hybrid" peacebuilding operations, involving collaboration between the UN and regional organizations under joint leadership, engage diverse actors - international and regional organizations, NGOs, financial institutions, national agencies, donors, and local communities. This comprehensive approach has increased the involvement of civilian, police, and military personnel in peace operations. Post-conflict peacebuilding relies heavily on civilian expertise to address security, political, and socioeconomic reconstruction, which is vital for sustainable peace. With growing demands for civilian experts in peace missions - doubling in UN operations over the last decade - this policy brief reviews the operational requirements, legal frameworks, practices, and challenges of deploying civilian experts to UN, EU, OSCE, and NATO peace operations.

Analysis of the Legal Framework Regulating the Security-intelligence System of the Republic of Serbia

Analysis of the Legal Framework Regulating the Security-intelligence System of the Republic of Serbia

Author(s): Bogoljub Milosavljević / Language(s): English

Security Politics in the Western Balkans

Security Politics in the Western Balkans

Author(s): / Language(s): English

Keywords: Security Policies; Western Balkans; National Security Strategy ; Defence Strategy ; NATO Integration ; EU Integration ; Organized Crime ; Terrorism ; Public Debate ; Military Doctrine

The document "Security Policies in the Western Balkans" provides a comprehensive analysis of the strategic-doctrinal frameworks of several countries in the region, including Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. It examines the development, adoption, and content of key strategic documents such as National Security Strategies, Defence Strategies, and Strategic Defence Reviews.

Protection of Human Rights in the Army and Police

Protection of Human Rights in the Army and Police

Author(s): / Language(s): English,Serbian

Keywords: Human Rights; Yugoslav Army; Police; FR Yugoslavia: Public Opinion Survey ; Transition Countries ; Civil Rights ; NATO Aggression ; Military Courts

The book Protection of Human Rights in the Army and the Police combines the papers prepared by the researchers and associates of the Centre for Civil-Military Relations, a Belgrade-seated NGO, within a project on the “Protection of Human Rights in the Army and the Police of the FR of Yugoslavia”. The whole project, including the publishing effort, was implemented with the support of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, London and Freedom House, Budapest. The project, initially conceived as one-year (2000-2001) interdisciplinary research exercise, was essentially aimed at identifying the degree of respect for human rights in the Yugoslav army and the police. The research also extended to the observance of human rights of citizens under the jurisdiction of the army and/or the police. The main task of the researchers was to look into the (im)balance between the regulative – constitutional and legal – protection of human rights in the army and the police of the FRY and their actual discharge. In order to do that relevant empirical data had to be collected.To this end, in early 2001, the Centre for Public Opinion and Political Research of the Institute for Social Sciences of the University of Belgrade carried out a survey on the situation of human rights and freedoms in the Yugoslav army and the police on a representative sample of 1680, as required for project purposes. The survey findings were presented to the public at a press conference on 12 April 2001 in the Belgrade Media Centre. The conclusive analysis of findings was then incorporated into the present Collection of Papers.

Security Inclusion of FR Yugoslavia in Euro-Atlantic Community

Security Inclusion of FR Yugoslavia in Euro-Atlantic Community

Author(s): / Language(s): English

Keywords: FR Yugoslavia (FRY); Democratic transition; NATO ; European Union (EU); Slobodan Milošević ; Democratic standards; Southeastern Europe ; Balkan security

To achieve a fully democratic and secure state, FR Yugoslavia (FRY) must address internal and external security challenges through cooperation with neighboring countries and integration into the Euro-Atlantic Community, particularly NATO and the EU. Following a decade of instability and ideological manipulation, reforms began after Milošević's removal in 2000, signaling support for Euro-Atlantic integration. However, achieving this requires citizens to embrace democratic standards and understand the benefits of such integration.The Center for Civil-Military Relations in Belgrade addressed these issues by organizing the 2001 conference, "Prospects for Security Inclusion of FR Yugoslavia in the Euro-Atlantic Community," supported by NATO and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces. The conference facilitated discussions between domestic and international experts on topics such as NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, FRY's security reform, and the interdependence of Southeastern Europe and the Euro-Atlantic Community.To achieve a fully democratic and secure state, FR Yugoslavia (FRY) must address internal and external security challenges through cooperation with neighboring countries and integration into the Euro-Atlantic Community, particularly NATO and the EU. Following a decade of instability and ideological manipulation, reforms began after Milošević's removal in 2000, signaling support for Euro-Atlantic integration. However, achieving this requires citizens to embrace democratic standards and understand the benefits of such integration. The Center for Civil-Military Relations in Belgrade addressed these issues by organizing the 2001 conference, "Prospects for Security Inclusion of FR Yugoslavia in the Euro-Atlantic Community," supported by NATO and the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces. The conference facilitated discussions between domestic and international experts on topics such as NATO’s Partnership for Peace program, FRY's security reform, and the interdependence of Southeastern Europe and the Euro-Atlantic Community.