Series:Centar za Evropske Politike - POGLEDI

Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU

Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU

Author(s): Miloš Pavković,Strahinja Subotić / Language(s): English

Judging by the Presidency slogan, which is Europe as a Task: Rethink, rebuild, repower, it can be anticipated that rethinking European geopolitical position, rebuilding Ukraine after the bloody war, and repowering the Euro-pean defence structures will be the focus of the Coun-cil’s work in the upcoming six months and longer. While some Council presidencies aim to finalise long-running legislative priorities, Prague largely sees its job over the next six months as a crisis responder. Czechia will have its hands full forging common positions on finan-cial and political support for Ukraine, and reducing the bloc’s continued reliance on Russian energy. Having in mind the presidency programme and volatile geopo-litical developments, this paper also aims to uncover whether the Council will have enough time and energy to dedicate to the enlargement policy and the Western Balkans region under the Czech baton.

The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

The Green Agenda for the Western Balkans

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

Keywords: environment in Western Balkans;

By signing the Sofia Declaration on the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans in October 2020, leaders from the region rec­ognised the importance of the European Green Deal (EGD), which is the EU's new growth strategy towards a modern, cli­mate neutral, resource-efficient and competitive economy. In order for this acknowledgement to materialise in practice, the leaders of the Western Balkans (WB) also agreed to incorporate elements of the EGD into all interrelated sectors and policies, based on the European Commission's Guidelines, with the com­mon goal of developing carbon-neutral and sustainable econo­mies in the region. Given that it has been a year and a half since the Sofia Summit, it is warranted to break down the complex no­tion of the Green Agenda and analyse whether and to what ex­tent it has the potential to truly induce changes in the Western Balkans. Therefore, the paper presents key issues identified in the five pillars of the Green Agenda, examines certain cross-cut­ting aspects of the green transition that could be essential for achieving a climate-neutral Western Balkans, and provides con­crete measures and proposals for effective Green Agenda imple­mentation.

The French Presidency of Council of the EU

The French Presidency of Council of the EU

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

In January 2022, France – one of the founding member states of the EU – embarked on 6-months long journey for the second time since the Lisbon Treaty adoption, and the 13th time in total. French Presidency comes at a time of a power vacuum in the EU, particularly after the UK had left the EU and in the aftermath of the retirement of the long-serving German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Moreover, the Ukrainian-Russian border is facing increasing tensions, while the Conference on the Future of Europe (CotFoE) is expected to end with concrete results. As Europe is faced with times of change, expectations are high from France that it will take the lead and steer the Union in the right direction in the upcoming six months. Having in mind the Presidency slogan - Recovery (relance), Power (puissance), and Belonging (appartenance) – this Insight analyses how France will navigate Europe in this increasingly complex context.

Serbia and Civilian CSDP Missions

Serbia and Civilian CSDP Missions

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

Keywords: CSDP-missions;

the aim of this INSIGHT-issue is to examine the prospects for closer cooperation between third countries and the EU when it comes to civilian CSDP missions, while shining a spotlight on the untapped potential within Serbia’s accession negotiations and Chapter 31. At the same time, this Insight provides a critical review of the existing legislative framework in Serbia and in this regard, analyses the latest initiative on drafting a law that should regulate the given topic in the future. Finally, this Insight lays out further recommendations for the improvement of the Draft Law on the participation of civilians in peacekeeping missions and argues Serbia finally needs to break the deadlock and take part in the EU civilian missions.

The Slovenian Presidency of Council of the EU

The Slovenian Presidency of Council of the EU

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

Keywords: pandemic European Union;

After Portugal, the presidency of the Council of the EU moved from the Iberian Peninsula to the Balkan Peninsula as Slovenia took it over on 1 July 2021. Its presiding over the Union will round off the work of its co-members of the Trio, Germany and Portugal, whose key task was to better facilitate efforts to fght the COVID-19 pandemic. As both Germany and Portugal have achieved positive results in putting Europe back on its feet, Slovenia’s presidency will concentrate on setting the ground for the development of a post-pandemic Europe. However, it does not mean that Slovenia will have an easy job; on the contrary, there are many pressing issues that the Council will need to deal with. This Insight aims to uncover what lies behind its motto “Together. Resilient. Europe”, while analysing how its presidency will shape the EU, as well as the enlargement policy, inthe second half of 2021.

Common Regional Market and European Perspective

Common Regional Market and European Perspective

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

Keywords: Western Balkans development;

At the latest Berlin Process Summit, held on November 10, 2020 in Sofia, the Western Balkan leaders (WB6) agreed upon an ambitious plan to create a Common Regional Market (CRM). Aside from the Political Declaration reiterating their commitment to intensified regional cooperation, WB6 adopted a detailed Action Plan sketching out concrete steps along the way. The initiative was heralded by the European Commission as a stepping stone towards EU membershipand its complementarity with the long-awaited Economic and Investment Plan was praised. Taking into account that the initiative has become a flagship project of the Berlin Process, and in the light of the upcoming Summit to be organised in Berlin by the outgoing Chancellor Merkel, it is worthwhile analysing the state of this potentially very fruitful endeavour. Therefore, this Insight aims at breaking down the complex notion of a Common Regional Market and the envisaged benefits of the initiative, whilst analysing the compliance with the adopted Action Plan, bearing in mind the European perspective of the region.

The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU

The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU

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

After Germany, the largest and most influential EU member-state, a relatively small country from the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal, comes at the helm of the Council of the EU. Despite its size and location, it is a country which has often “punched above its weight” as it has acquired significant experience in EU-affairs. Not only was the last treaty change made in Lisbon in 2007 during the then Portuguese Presidency, but Portugal also provided a two-term Commission President, Jose Manuel Barroso (2004-2014), as well as a Eurogroup-President, Mario Centeno (2018-2020). With regards to presiding over the Council of the EU, Portugal also comes as a veteran - by presiding for the fourth time since becoming a member in 1986. Meanwhile, its political landscape remains stable and committed to the EU integration process, whilst having a pro-EU and pro-enlargement oriented population. These aspects are certainly conducive to its presidency in the upcoming six months.

The German Presidency of the Council of the EU

The German Presidency of the Council of the EU

Author(s): Sena Marić,Strahinja Subotić,Aleksa Ilić / Language(s): English

The German Presidency of the Council of the EU takes place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the EU, along with the rest of the world, needs quick and bold action to adapt to the resulting tectonic changes. These circumstances have pushed Germany to lead the Union across the Rubicon in regard to the future of the European project. In fact, Germany's ambitious Presidency program reflects its renewed strategic outlook by instigating the EU's recovery and ushering a path towards further integration. For this reason, the decisions made during Germany's term have the potential to become a critical juncture for Union's further evolution. With the aim of uncovering what may lie ahead for Europe in the following period, this Insight examines Germany's long-term vision for Europe, analysing its Presidency program and scrutinising Germany's positions on the pressing questions of the EU recovery fund and Multi-annual Financial Framework, climate and the environment, rule of law conditionality, and EU common foreign and security policy. At the same time, it analyses the place of the Western Balkans in such a complex network of priorities.

Croatia's Presidency of the Council of the EU

Croatia's Presidency of the Council of the EU

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

Croatia takes over the Council Presidency from Finland at a turbulent time for enlargement policy, especially after the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia was postponed yet again. While such a move caused shockwaves among the expert community, it also had a snowball effect of putting enlargement back on the agenda of EU leaders. All of this took place in the context of yet another Brexit extension, a prolongation of the Multi-annual financial framework negotiations, and the delay of the start of the new European Commission. Regarding the upcoming period, what awaits the region during the Balkan presidency of Croatia? Is the upcoming Summit in Zagreb simply going to be Sofia 2.0 or can the region expect more tangible commitments and results? As phase one of the talks on the Future of Europe, according to the Franco-German proposal, is planned to start and end with Croatia's presidency, this CEP Insight answers whether this a burden or a blessing for this Balkan country.

Finland's Presidency of the Council of the EU

Finland's Presidency of the Council of the EU

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

Keywords: EU and Western Balkans;

While the Council of the EU has been headed by the countries from the Western Balkan's neighbourhood (Austria, Bulgaria, and Romania) in the last 18 months, the time has come for Finland - a country geographically distant from the region - to take over. The saying “out of sight, out of mind” implies that things can be dismissed as unimportant when not in direct view of the subject. Will this be the case with Finland vis-a-vis the Western Balkans? What can the countries of the region do to get closer to Finland? What are Finland's priorities? This CEP Insight hopes to provide answers to thesequestions.

Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU

Romanian Presidency of the Council of the EU

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

Keywords: EU and Western Balkans;

On 1 January 2019, Romania started presiding over the Council of the EU, for the first time since joining the Union. It took up the baton from Austria, a country whose priorities mainly revolved around strengthening the EU's security, tackling the migration issue, and supporting the Western Balkan's EU perspective. What about Romania's priorities? Recognising that 2019 will be a busy year for the EU - due to the European Parliament elections, Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) negotiations, and Brexit conclusion - this CEP Insight explores the programme of the Romanian presidency and sheds light on what the Western Balkan may expect from its neighbour when it comes to prioritisation of enlargement.

The Western Balkans Through the Brexit Lenses

The Western Balkans Through the Brexit Lenses

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

Keywords: UK-Brexit vs. Western-Balkans-Accession;

In the aftermath of the Brexit vote in March 2016, European Policy Centre (CEP) published an Insight where it presented three possible outcomes of the withdrawal negotiations: 1.“The UK maintains political stability, withdrawal negotiations swiftly concluded”; 2. “The political scene in the UK remains unstable, Brexit happens after extended and painful negotiations”; and 3. “Brexit does not happen”. Two years later, reality seems to bear out the second scenario. Whereas the negotiations have proven to be quite difficult to handle, this scenario has ill-suited both negotiating sides. But what about the Balkans? Now that Brexit is reaching the end,1 this CEP Insight reflects on its potential political and economic implications for the Western Balkans (WB) - a region that aspires to join the very same Union that the UK is intending to leave. The overallaim is to encourage further discussions on what lies ahead for the Balkans in the post-Brexit Europe.

Brexit or Not? What Consequences for the Enlargement Policy?

Brexit or Not? What Consequences for the Enlargement Policy?

Author(s): Milena Lazarević,Sena Marić / Language(s): English

Keywords: Brexit vs enlargement;

In the early hours of the 24th of June, the results of the British EU membership referendum were announced. Against the betting odds, against the predictions of market actors, and against the last minute polls, with a turnout of 72.2% and with a margin of 3.8%, the voters decided that the UK should leave the European Union. This unprecedented event has ushered in a period of political and economic turmoil in the UK: David Cameron resigned and the Conservative Party will hold a leadership election; the Labour shadow ministers resigned en masse and the Labour MPs held a no confidence vote against their leader; the second Scottish independence referendum is on the agenda; Northern Ireland’s status is under question; economic forecasts are grim. Economic spillover effects are expected across the EU, its neighbours and beyond, and potential political instability within the EU looms ... The Brexit referendum has left the continent with a number of uncertainties. This issue of INSIGHT develops three possible outcomes of the current situation, based on which it discusses potential consequences of the leave vote on the EU enlargement policy. It argues that as long as the Brexit issue remains unresolved, the EU enlargement policy will suffer.

The 2015 Enlargement Package: What is New and How it Helps the Enlargement Countries?

The 2015 Enlargement Package: What is New and How it Helps the Enlargement Countries?

Author(s): Milena Lazarević,Sena Marić,Dragana Bajić / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU-enlargement;

The Enlargement Package, annually issued by the European Commission and comprising a strategy for the EU enlargement, including a set of country reports, has been impatiently awaited this year due to the long-announced improvements compared to the previous years. This particularly concerns the new approach to assessments in country-specific progress re-ports, i.e. the introduction of a number of changes in the reporting style in order to increase quality, reliability and transparency of reports. The new approach in the annual country re-ports, along with five-tier assessment scales, is also intended to increase comparability be-tween the countries as well as to provide the stakeholders with the possibility to scrutinise the process and the enlargement countries’ progress towards the EU. It places emphasis on the state of play in countries regarding their preparedness for membership and provides guid-ance for what should be done so as to meet the accession requirements. Although this novel-ty brings greater clarity and understanding about what needs to be done by a candidate coun-try, it is impossible to guess whether those recommendations represent a benchmark for the opening of a given negotiating chapter or merely a referral to the most relevant issue, which is to be dealt with in the following year. In other words, what is the connection between the Progress Reports’ recommendations and the opening and other benchmarks?

Lessons Not Learned. Commentary on the EU's 17-points Plan and its Alternative

Lessons Not Learned. Commentary on the EU's 17-points Plan and its Alternative

Author(s): Katarina Kosmina,Lana Radovanović / Language(s): English

Keywords: EU migration policy; refugees;

As the massive refugee influx continues to grow, the European Union is attempting and failing to find effective solutions. The most recent such attempt was the meeting in Brussels at the end of October, which gathered leaders from Albania, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Macedonia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. The result of this meeting was the 17-points plan of action (the Plan). This CEP Insight deconstructs the Plan and provides critique of its most controversial measures. Furthermore, the Temporary Protection Directive is presented, explained, and advocated for as an alternative solution to the current crisis. Finally, the article considers the repercussions of the Plan in the context of Serbia.

Handling the Refugee Influx. Between the Lwas, Borders and Political Discourses

Handling the Refugee Influx. Between the Lwas, Borders and Political Discourses

Author(s): Lana Radovanović,Katarina Kosmina / Language(s): English

Keywords: refugees;

When speaking about the refugees currently arriving in Europe, it is rather difficult to focus on one relevant dimension: the legal framework, border policy, and political discourse - all converge to affect both how we speak and act on the issues arising from the mass influx of refugees on the territory of the European Union. This article attempts to deconstruct the EU’s response to the current ‘crisis’ and outline its relevance for Serbia’s asylum strategy. The focus will be on relevant EU legislation, such as the Dublin III Regulation, and ensuing issues, as well as the response taken regarding border policies and political discourse.

Better Regulation Package: Regulating More or Regulating Less?

Better Regulation Package: Regulating More or Regulating Less?

Author(s): Amanda Orza,Milena Lazarević / Language(s): English

Better regulation is not a novelty, but a continuation of previous efforts through different means. This time around, there were great expectations from the package and its influence on policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation. From the onset, Commission President Juncker showed unequivocal political support for the better regulation agenda. A clear indication was the fact that within the ‘two-tier’ College of Commissioners, the senior strand was to be led by Frans Timmermans, the First Vice-President responsible for inter alia the better regulation portfolio. Suchan action spurred a lot of hope of the magnitude of reforms aiming at the simplification and streamlining of superfluous EU legislation. According to Juncker’s mission letter to Timmermans, every new initiative will have to go through and receive the green light from the VP in order to assure the respect of subsidiarity and proportionality, and to reduce the activity of the Commission to merely those which genuinely represent added value if acting on the EU level.This article will go through the main changes that the packages bring to conclude on their feasibility in the near future, and relevance to Serbia.

Luxembourg Presidency of the EU. Focus on the Refugee Crisis

Luxembourg Presidency of the EU. Focus on the Refugee Crisis

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

Keywords: EU and refugees;

The past spring and summer of the European continent have been, without any doubt, marked by two hot topics: “the greferendum” – Greek referendum and the conditions for staying in the Eurozone; as well as now the already chronic exodus of refugees from the Middle East and Africa to European countries. While the first one falls under the competence of the “troika”, comprising the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the matters of migration and asylum policy are shared between the EU member states and the European Parliament – and are thereby one of the top priority issues of the current Luxembourg Presidency of the Council. Current priorities of the three countries are defined very broadly, and the task of each country is to make them more concrete and in line with the topical issues and needs. Since we have already argued on the priorities of the Italian and Latvian presidency, and since they do not essentially differ from those defined by Luxembourg, this insight will focus on the refugee crisis issue, as one of the topics that dominated the Luxembourg agenda in the past July, i.e. the first month of the 6-month long Luxembourg Presidency, and which, judging by the most recent opinion polls, currently brings the most concerns to the EU citizens

EU Institutions and Citizens. How Does the Past Lack of Communication Affect the Present?

EU Institutions and Citizens. How Does the Past Lack of Communication Affect the Present?

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

What would have been the outcome of the recent Greek referendum if the European Union had engaged in a "yes" campaign? If the French and Dutch citizens had not rejected the Constitutional Treaty 10 years ago, how would the European Union look today? Or, what would the present situation look like if an open debate had been set up, focusing on the changing demographic picture of Europe, inability to stop immi-gration, and the ways in which the EU can act in relation to these issues? As it may be, if the European Commission had invested more in public relations and communication with European citizens over the past two decades, we would be living in a different Europe. It is indeed surprising that, despite the widely recognized problem of European citizens’ alienation from the EU institutions and unawareness of the basic information regarding the functioning of this community, there has been no unified and coherent EU communication policy. This text is pointed out by extensive public opinion polls biannually conducted by the Eurobarometer. They revealed that the trust of EU citizens in European institutions and the EU has been continually decreasing from 2007 to the present date.

Lobbying in the EU demystified ... and what does it all mean for Serbia?

Lobbying in the EU demystified ... and what does it all mean for Serbia?

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

Keywords: lobbying in EU; transparency;

We hear a lot about Commissioners and MEPs reinventing themselves into lobbyists and working for the private sector following the end of their mandate. We also hear a lot about the influence that the corporate interests have on European Union policies with little regard for the common citizen. But is it all as bad as it is covered? CEP Associate Sofia Tzortzi wrote some time ago a commentary explaining what lobbying is, what activities it constitutes and who the people who lobby in theEU are. Not to repeat her arguments, she rightfully concluded that lobbying representsa broad range of activities that aim to influence policy making and a particularpolicy, and that therefore everyone lobbies - trade associations and consumer organisations, non-profits, foundations, private actors, governments of member statesas well as third countries, etc. Still, lobbying remains a dirty word in the vocabulary across the Union since it is regarded as the defence of corporate interests at the expense of the public and civic interests such as the environment, or women's andworkers' rights. This article seeks to open the discussion on how maliciousLobbying remains adirty word in the vocabulary across the European Union, as it is regarded as the defense of corporate interests at the expense of the public and civil interests. As the European project extended beyond the strictly market-related policies, the citizens began to understand that the regulatory policies of the EU concern them. Eversince, the debates on democratic legitimacy of the EU decision-making have heated up and the system saw itself constantly justifying its existence. lobbying is in reality and reflect on a few interesting studies that looked into the issueof whose interests prevail and through which mechanisms, in order to have amore nuanced picture of what is actually going on in the lobbying world in Brussels and how it is relevant for Serbia.