2023-11-30
| Belgrade

Debate: The Social Dimension of EU Integration - What Reforms Lie Ahead?

Centre Dialogue – Social Forum

On 30 November 2023, the Center for Democracy Foundation organised the debate: The Social Dimension of EU Integration - What Reforms Lie Ahead?, in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation.

Partaking in the discussion were: Mihail Arandarenko, Faculty of Economy; Danilo Vuković, SeConS; Duško Vuković, Confederation of Autonomous Trade Unions of Serbia; Tanja Jakobi, Public Policy Research Centre; Branislav Markuš, Zrenjanin Social Forum Association; Nataša Vučković, Center for Democracy Foundation. The discussion was moderated by Marija Šehić, Journalist.

The latest report issued by the European Commission for Serbia in the process of EU accession indicates the necessity of implementing substantial reforms in a number of areas. The need for urgent reforms is particularly evident in social policy, given the fact that Serbia is a country where every fifth person is at risk of poverty and 28% of the population is at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Yet, we do not have a Social Protection Strategy in place nor have amendments been made to the Law on Social Protection. The social dimension of the EU accession process is of vital importance, as reforms in this area refer to the lives and employment of each inhabitant.

During this debate, we wanted to discuss the degree to which legal norms are harmonised in these areas. What are the biggest issues we face concerning social policy? What are the most urgent steps to be taken? Does our country have the necessary capacities to carry out the necessary reforms? Have the changes made so far in education successfully respond to the challenges facing this area? Have we received a sufficient number of grants from the EU to be able to carry out significant reforms? How do the business community, trade unions, academic community, and civil society view these issues?

During the discussion, the importance of the social dimension of the EU accession process was emphasised, given that reforms in these areas relate to the life and work of every Serbian inhabitant. We must be able to anticipate changes and reforms have to promptly respond to challenges and changed context. A strategic approach to social policy is required. It was concluded that policies and reforms should imitate real life and the true needs of our people. Civil society, trade unions and experts need to contribute to this end. Another important issue is: to what extent do the EU and Serbia emphasise the social dimension of the EU integration process as an aspect which contributes and supports integration while simultaneously having a real impact on the citizenry.