A THORNY PATH OF SERBIA TO THE EUROPEAN UNION (1991-2006)

Abstract

Abstract. The paper analyzes relations between Serbia as a part of the Federal Republic of
Yugoslavia and the European Union, as well as the main stages and trends of socio-economic
and socio-political development of Serbia, its international position and foreign policy during
1991-2006. The following three main periods on Serbia’s way to the EU membership were emphasized
and characterized: 1991-2000, the period of confrontation between Serbia and the
EU; 2000-2003, the period of their active rapprochement; 2004-June 2006, the period of cooling
in relations between Serbia and the EU. Particular attention is paid to the 2000-2006 period.
The article deals with the domestic political struggle in Serbia for its choice of foreign
economic and foreign policy orientation. Author examined the main obstacles on the way of
Serbia to the UE. The progress of Serbian modernization reforms in the process of approach to
the EU standards is analyzed. The evolution of the EU policy towards Serbia is studied.
Key words: Serbia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), the European Union (EU), relations,
integration.