Unarticulated Foreign Policy as a Manifestation of Drifting Away from the EU Membership Goal

Petrović, Miloš (2024) Unarticulated Foreign Policy as a Manifestation of Drifting Away from the EU Membership Goal. In: National interest(s) in world politics. University, Faculty of political science, Belgrade, pp. 77-97. ISBN 978-86-6425-129-7

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Abstract

The author conducts an analysis of existing normative acts to shed light on the controversial EU role in the “normalization process” and to highlight the complex dynamics and consequences in the realm of Serbia’s EU integrations, including through the lenses of CFSP. The article reveals how the clash between these two priorities is instrumentalized to deflect from the poor democratic performance in critically important areas for EU accession— rule of law and fundamental rights. The author argues that Serbia’s current situation should be observed in the context of the de facto abandonment of the EU accession goal, which is also largely tied to the political distaste for further Europeanization of the institutional and legal order. Drawing on theoretical insights (primarily from rational choice theory) and through empirical illustrations from the EU accession process, the author examines the marginalization of EU accession objectives in the favour of the status quo. The paper’s structure includes theoretical examination, empirical analysis of Serbia’s foreign policy trajectory, analysis of normative acts, exploration of veto areas hindering EU integration, and concluding reflections. Ultimately, the article underscores the necessity for transparent and inclusive communication nd consultations, arguing that in the case changes, a redefined social contract would be necessary to realign the priorities with public expectations.

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