The EU and the Democratization Process in Serbia.

The Western Balkans (WB) countries are an inseparable part of the ongoing formation of a “new” European space, but it is still an unstable region in the continent. Comprising Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina (BH), Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), Albania, Serbia, and Montenegro, its integration into European structures, particularly the European Union (EU), has proved to be a difficult process due to the problematic political, economic and social situation of these countries. Using as case study the situation in Serbia, the paper argues that EU membership aspiration has been a motivating factor for the systemic and structural transformation required for the stabilization and gradual democratization of this country.In this context, this paper aims to analyze to what extent the EU efforts and initiatives in Serbia have been contributing to the area’s pacification and to fostering good governance in the country. Understanding Europeanization as the conceptual framework that links transition and integration, a multiplicity of questions arise concerning the way this state has been affected by this process. Which have been the main achievements and difficulties of the Europeanization process? And, which has been its impact in state-building in its different dimensions: political, economic, social? Searching answers to these questions, this paper aims to contribute for a better understanding of the Europeanization process in Serbia, addressing its results and effects in the democratization process and in the improvement of human rights standards. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]