EU and Serbia: New Historic “No” Requires Tangible European “Yes”

Council of Europe

Enrico Letta, general secretary of the Italian Democratic Party and the country's former prime minister, has said that the Ukrainian crisis had created the need for the countries surrounding the European Union to "dock beside the European ship" and that the solution was a confederation of the 36 countries of the EU, Western Balkans, Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova.

Letta stressed that the EU would have to take the lead, otherwise the perception would be that "the Americans are running things" and that Europe brings up the rear. A discussion of "multiple tracks to Europe" and a privileged associated position for the Western Balkans, though short of full membership, has been rekindled in the EU political public.

An outline of proposed reforms to be presented to the leaders of the EU on May 9, after two years of discussion in the Conference on the Future of Europe, includes a call to review the decision-making and voting process in EU institutions, noting that the requirement for unanimity should be turned into a "qualified majority," especially concerning foreign and security policy, while stressing that agreement between and veto powers for all EU members must remain in force when it comes to admitting new members.

This dovetails with the palpably increased pressure on Serbia to impose at least some sanctions against Russia. This is a crucial time for EU policy toward Serbia, but there is no tangible evidence that a breakthrough is imminent, and the goal of the EU and U.S. for Belgrade to take a step back from its ties with Russia incorporates no clear chance of speeding up Serbia's EU membership or a considerable effect on a solution for Kosovo.