Authors: Vladimir Đorđević, Ph.D. and Vladimir Vučković
This policy paper evaluates the anti-corruption policies in Montenegro and Serbia in the context of EU accession process. It identifies serious gaps, which can only be bridged by a change in the priorities of the EU regional approach.
STRATPOL Policy Papers are flagship periodic publications from our experts and external contributors. Our topics centre around European and Transatlantic security with special focus on the South Caucasus, Wider Black Sea area and the Balkans. We try to introduce and analyse current security topics from the point of view of Central Europe and provide clear policy outcomes or recommendations.
Executive summary
- Corruption, as one of key priorities in the EU accession process, has not so far been properly tackled and is still rampant (not only) in Montenegro and Serbia (but in the whole region also).
- Without stronger EU initiative aimed at primarily realization of anti-corruption measures in the region, no progress in meeting rule of law agenda, central to European integration, shall be made.
- If Western Balkans is to get closer to the EU, Brussels needs to introduce changes in its regional approach by pushing regional elites to lay much heavier emphasis on law implementation, thus keeping the regional democratization on track and not allowing the region to gradually slip towards authoritarianism again