Beginning in 2001, USAID has been working with Serbian sectors, public and private, to sustain economic development, improve judicial transparency and strengthen responsive governance. Since then, Serbia’s GDP has experienced an annual average growth rate of 2.9% while achieving a 14.1% drop in unemployment. While the progress and stimulation of the economy are apparent, measures of democracy across multiple indexes demonstrate a decline over the last decade. 

Since Serbia received official EU candidacy status in 2012, USAID programs in Serbia have been geared specifically towards EU integration. To realize this candidacy, Serbia must meet transnational criteria in line with European aims and values before further membership negotiations can occur. The criteria are split into six clusters totaling 35 policy chapters, of which 22 have been opened. The clusters are in order of importance, with the first being the rule of law.

About USAID Programs in Serbia

Currently, two of the three USAID programs in Serbia intend to strengthen democracy through deliberation projects between citizens, civic society and the Serbian government. The first project, Inspire2action, and the second, Civil Society Resilience Strengthening, are both five-year plans set towards strengthening the rule of law in the country. According to the U.S. Department of State, Serbia is at a strategic juncture between Eastern and Western Europe, and promoting economic growth may help to promote peace in the Balkans. 

The Inspire2action Project

The Inspire2action project works acutely to increase civic engagement in governmental processes. In its efforts, a number of grants will work to improve local communities by creating opportunities for civic involvement in the democratic process. The process should increase citizen awareness of their participatory importance while also emphasizing the importance of women and youth involvement. These efforts intend to encourage value-added tax adjustments for the public good while ensuring the consideration of popular public opinion during the legislative processes.

The Civil Society Resilience Strengthening Program

The Civil Society Resilience Strengthening program works in a similar manner as the Inspire2action program. They both intend to increase democratic involvement in the legislative process; however, this program is for actors that work between citizens and the state, specifically five actors in each region, totaling 25 actors. These actors are CSOs, or chief service officers, who operate from nongovernmental positions. In short, this program aims to persuade CSOs to be inclusive in professional consideration while pursuing litigation with regard to EU law. 

Despite both projects aiming to increase democracy and nudge Serbia toward EU assimilation, the promise of membership has not been solidified. Despite Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić’s 2022 promise at his inauguration, he stated earlier this year that Serbia is less than enthusiastic about joining the EU after 13 years of tribulation. William Eggerton of Modern Diplomacy sees Serbia’s EU vision as a façade for democratic backsliding. This backsliding takes the form of diminished media freedoms and less than effective anti-corruption pursuits. In addition, Serbia maintains strong ties with Russia. Serbia’s reliance on Russian fuel and weapons and its appreciation for the non-recognition of Kosovo keep Serbia from imposing official sanctions on its eastern ally.

Looking Ahead

Regardless of whether Serbia gains admittance to the EU, USAID continues to foster economic growth and opportunity. Despite democracy measures diminishing in the state, USAID aims for a brighter future. The story is reminiscent of “The Father and His Sons,” a fable about a dying farmer. The farmer explains to his sons that there is a treasure in the field and that his sons should dig for it rather than sell the estate. After the farmer’s death, they dig and dig but find nothing. However, the sons were able to reap a bountiful harvest from the soil they overturned.

– Anthony Coletta
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