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330<br />

ChApter 5<br />

before, has engineered a mass scepticism toward so-called foreign<br />

values such as political pluralism and respect for human rights. Concerted<br />

efforts must be made by the eu to help Serbia’s not-so-numerous<br />

democratic forces open up and broaden the space for<br />

Europeanization and democratization. Eu support must be carefully<br />

devised, continuous, extensive, and channeled primarily toward liberal<br />

forces: not only political groups but also liberal elements within<br />

the civil society, independent media, trade unions, student and youth<br />

organizations, and the educational and cultural arenas. Only the creation<br />

of a new intellectual and cultural elite may in turn create conditions<br />

for genuine democratic change.<br />

* * *<br />

The Serbian government’s decision to apply for eu candidacy<br />

December 2009 would not have been possible without a concerted<br />

initiative by and the firm resolve of both the United States and<br />

the European Union. After decade or more of hesitancy, they have<br />

finally learnt that without integrating the Western Balkans into the<br />

Euro-Atlantic processes as soon as possible, the region cannot be stabilized.<br />

All existing tensions between Serbia and its neighbors can be<br />

solved only through its accession to the eu (one of the conditions of<br />

which is indeed a resolution of such tensions). The push was given<br />

by the new u.s. administration which has rather early demonstrated<br />

its intentions by sending Joseph Biden to the Balkan region in spring<br />

2009.<br />

The Serbian government’s decision in December 2009 to apply<br />

for eu candidacy announces the country’s new strategic orientation<br />

and its embrace of the European option. After three decades of wondering<br />

which way to go—whether to stay on a narrow, ultra-nationalistic,<br />

anti-Western path or to take a new road in the direction of<br />

modernity and democracy—Serbia’s political elite has finally made<br />

a historical breakthrough, opening the door to a brighter future.

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