However, the chances that EU countries will agree this autumn to Serbia's full admission to the EU are considerably smaller now that nationalist and pro-Russian President Aleksandar Vučić could become prime minister later this year and thus remain in power in Belgrade.
The elections are scheduled for October 25. Vučić cannot run again for the presidency and wants to switch to the premiership. This could make the elections decisive for his power position and Serbia's political course.
Mladic
Also, last week the semi-official funeral of war criminal Ratko Mladić upset many EU countries. The Bosnian-Serb army leader died over a week ago in the UN detention center in The Hague, where he was serving a life sentence for the genocide of thousands of Bosnian Muslims.
Promotion
At the same time, Brussels has been accused of giving Vučić too much leeway for years. There were fears that greater European pressure would push Serbia further towards Russia or China. Despite close economic ties with the EU, Belgrade has also developed close cooperation with Moscow.
Suspended
The EU demands actual reforms in democracy, the rule of law, and independent institutions. The accession process has been stalled for a long time. Further payments from the European Growth Plan for the Western Balkans have been withheld due to concerns about the independence of the judiciary.
The problems with Brussels go beyond the funeral. Serbia has not joined the EU sanctions against Russia. Additionally, there has long been criticism of the decline in democratic standards, the rule of law, press freedom, and the lack of reforms that Belgrade had promised for the accession process.
Protests
Vučić is also under domestic pressure. Prolonged student protests began after the deadly collapse at Novi Sad station and escalated into broader protests against corruption and his administration. The alleged use of spyware against students, activists, and opposition members has also led to calls for action in the European Parliament.
The Netherlands is one of the EU countries that spoke out two years ago against negotiations with Belgrade over possible accession. At the end of this year, the EU wants to make a decision on the applications of several candidates. According to the latest status, only Montenegro would qualify, and separate decisions will be made regarding Ukraine and Moldova.