The Promise of EU Membership
Serbia’s journey toward EU membership officially began in 2003, when the country set European integration as a strategic priority. This ambition was solidified in 2008, when Serbia signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the EU, marking a formal commitment to begin aligning its policies with EU standards. Since then, Serbia has worked to meet the EU’s rigorous accession criteria, with particular focus on strengthening the rule of law, combatting corruption, and enhancing human rights protections. Despite some progress, the accession process has been lengthy, often characterized by both significant reforms and challenges. Today, Serbia remains an official candidate country, and while the journey continues, the promise of EU membership remains a beacon of hope and opportunity for many, especially the country’s youth.
For Serbian youth (aged 15 to 30), EU membership offers the potential for numerous benefits, including improved access to education, job opportunities, and the freedom to live and work in other member states. As Serbia continues negotiations to join the EU, many young people view this future with optimism. They see the EU as a gateway to a more prosperous and stable life.
Economic Opportunities and Challenges
One of the most attractive aspects of EU membership for young people is the potential for improved economic conditions. Youth unemployment in Serbia remains a pressing issue, with the rate hovering at 23% as of recent reports of The Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia. Joining the EU could help mitigate this by attracting foreign investment, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating new jobs, particularly in industries such as technology, tourism, and services.
However, challenges remain. Many young Serbians worry about the impact of economic restructuring that would come with EU membership. There are fears that local businesses may struggle to compete with European companies, leading to potential job losses in traditional industries. This concern isn’t unique to Serbia; when Croatia joined the EU in 2013, many young people faced similar challenges, as sectors like agriculture and small-scale manufacturing struggled to keep up with EU competition. In Bulgaria and Romania, which joined in 2007, high youth unemployment and migration became pressing issues, with many young people moving to wealthier EU countries for better opportunities. To ease similar concerns, Serbian youth advocates argue that the government must proactively invest in skills training and entrepreneurship programs tailored to future demands, leveraging EU support where possible.
The Brain Drain Dilemma
A major issue already plaguing Serbia is the so-called “brain drain”—the emigration of skilled and educated young people to wealthier countries in search of better opportunities. EU membership could exacerbate this trend by making it even easier for young people to leave Serbia, as evidenced by the significant emigration rates seen after Romania, Bulgaria, and Croatia joined the EU. Already, thousands of Serbians head to EU countries every year, and for many, the lure of higher wages, better healthcare, and improved quality of life is hard to resist.
But there’s another side to this coin. Some believe that the open borders of the EU could help reverse the brain drain. Easier mobility might encourage young Serbians to study or work abroad temporarily but return home with new skills and networks to contribute to Serbia’s growth. To this end, Serbia has already implemented several programs aimed at encouraging returnees, and incentives for professionals in high-demand fields. However, these programs have had mixed success, often criticized for focusing primarily on financial incentives while overlooking broader needs. The real question remains: Will Serbia create an environment that can entice its diaspora back?
Cultural Identity and the European Dream
For many young Serbians, EU membership is about more than economic opportunities—it’s about cultural belonging. A large segment of Serbia’s youth identifies with European values, such as democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. They are drawn to the vision of a united Europe, where countries collaborate to overcome challenges together.
But this enthusiasm isn’t universal. Other segments of the population, including certain political and cultural groups, remain sceptical about European integration. They worry about the loss of national sovereignty and fear that Serbia might have to compromise its unique cultural identity. Additionally, there is a deep-rooted lack of trust towards the West, stemming from historical events and political tensions, which further fuels scepticism. These concerns have led to polarized debates about whether Serbia should look more towards the East, particularly Russia, or continue on its path towards the West.
For young people, however, the European dream remains compelling. The appeal of the “European dream” and a strong connection to cultural identity seem to prevail among young people, who largely view integration with the EU as compatible with maintaining their Serbian roots. This is evidenced by the fact that young Serbians overwhelmingly choose EU countries when it comes to studying, working, and participating in exchange programs. While opportunities exist to work or study in Russia, China, and other non-EU nations, the numbers are limited in comparison, highlighting a clear preference among Serbian youth for the lifestyle, education, and career prospects offered within Europe.
Conclusion: A Future Full of Possibilities
As Serbia navigates its complex path towards EU membership, the youth of the country hold a unique position. They stand to gain the most from the potential opportunities that integration offers, from education and employment to environmental sustainability and social reform.
But the road ahead is not without challenges. To ensure that Serbia’s youth are not just passive beneficiaries but active contributors to the country’s future, the government must listen to their voices, invest in their skills, and create conditions that foster that participation.
For many young Serbians, the future with the EU is a chance to finally feel connected to a broader European identity while simultaneously shaping the future of their own nation. It’s an exciting time, full of possibilities—and for the youth of Serbia, the next chapter is theirs to write.
