A bold move for Serbia's future: France and Italy take the lead!
In a surprising turn of events, France and Italy have taken the initiative to push Serbia's journey towards the European Union (EU). After three and a half years of stagnation, these two influential EU members have sent a letter to their fellow member states, urging them to open Cluster 3 for Serbia.
But here's where it gets controversial...
While analysts believe that Germany, the EU's powerhouse, will have the final say, Miloš Pavković from the European Policy Centre highlights that eight member states have previously blocked the opening of Cluster 3. These include Bulgaria, Croatia, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, and the Baltic trio of Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
Pavković notes, "It's a tough call. Given the strong criticism and firm positions held by these member states, it's hard to predict if this démarche will succeed."
However, he adds, "France and Italy are heavyweights, and similar initiatives have worked in the past. The final decision will depend on Germany's stance and the flexibility of these eight countries. We might not know the outcome until the very last moment before the vote on December 17th."
Srećko Đukić, a former diplomat, agrees that France and Italy's influence is undeniable. He says, "Their engagement is commendable and could sway some hesitant countries, especially those not directly threatened by Russia."
But Đukić also cautions, "Many negative assessments of Serbia were included in the annual EU integration report. Almost none of the Serbian government's promises for opening Cluster 3 have been fulfilled. The media landscape remains unchanged, providing strong arguments against opening the cluster."
And this is the part most people miss...
Prime Minister Vučić revealed that he had foreseen this development, stating, "The Italians sent a letter to all EU member states, advocating for opening Cluster 3 for Serbia. They expect many to join, and they're taking that letter to the Council of the European Union. Despite our differences over Kosovo, the French and Italians are our friends and support Serbia."
Vučić and Brnabić, Serbia's Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, respectively, have both expressed their hope that Cluster 3 will be opened, with Brnabić stating, "It would be fair and honest for all EU member states to give the green light."
Brnabić also reminded that the European Commission has recommended opening Cluster 3 in the last five annual reports on Serbia's progress. She expressed her gratitude to France and Italy for their support and their démarche to other EU member states.
But here's the catch...
Cluster 3 is technically ready to be opened, according to the European Commission's report. However, Serbia's foreign policy alignment with the EU's has been a sticking point. Andreas von Beckerath, head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, explained that the decision rests with the 27 EU member states.
Đukić emphasizes that no single country has a monopoly on decision-making in the EU, especially not through pressure regarding cluster openings. He concludes, "It's not crucial for anyone. If it doesn't happen now, it may happen in June."
So, what's in Cluster 3?
Cluster 3 - Competitiveness and Inclusive Growth - covers chapters on digital transformation, media, taxation, economic and monetary policy, social policy, employment, enterprise, industrial policy, science, research, education, culture, and the customs union.
Will Serbia's journey towards the EU gain momentum with the support of France and Italy? Or will the critical assessments and hesitant member states prevail? The fate of Cluster 3 remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Serbia's path to the EU is a complex and intriguing story.
What do you think? Should Serbia be encouraged towards the EU, or are there valid concerns that need addressing first? Share your thoughts in the comments!
