Serbia
Serbia applied for EU membership in December 2009 and was granted EU candidate status in March 2012. The EU-Serbia accession negotiations began in January 2014. So far, 22 chapters have been opened.
Enlargement
EU membership application
Serbia's application for EU membership was submitted on 22 December 2009.
At its meeting 25 October 2010, the Council invited the Commission to submit its opinion on Serbia's application.
The Commission delivered a positive opinion on 12 October 2011 and recommended that Serbia be granted the status of candidate country.
On 1 March 2012, the European Council granted Serbia candidate country status.
Accession negotiations
On 27-28 June 2013, the European Council agreed to launch accession negotiations with Serbia by January 2014 at the latest.
The Council agreed on a framework for negotiations with Serbia on 17 December 2013.
Accession conference meetings
Accession negotiations take place at intergovernmental conferences (often called an ‘accession conference’) between ministers and ambassadors of the EU member states and the candidate. Negotiations cover the body of common rights and law (the ‘EU acquis’) and are divided into different chapters, or clusters of chapters, covering different policy fields. Accession conferences can be held at either ministerial or deputy level.
On 21 January 2014, the first meeting of the accession conference with Serbia at ministerial level opened accession negotiations. Since then, 13 accession conference meetings at ministerial level have been held. So far, 22 chapters have been opened for negotiations of which two chapters have already been provisionally closed.
In May 2021, the Council agreed on the application of the revised enlargement methodology to the accession negotiations with Montenegro and Serbia, aiming to reinvigorate the accession process, place a stronger focus on fundamental reforms and give more political steer. It also groups the 35 negotiating chapters in six clusters.
The 13th meeting of the accession conference with Serbia at ministerial level, which took place on 14 December 2021, was the second intergovernmental conference since the Council approved the revised enlargement methodology. It also resulted in the opening of 'Cluster Four' on the green agenda and sustainable connectivity.
Stabilisation and association process
All Western Balkan partners have a 'stabilisation and association agreement', which sets the overall framework for their relationship with the EU. It runs in parallel to and is supportive of EU accession negotiations.
Serbia's stabilisation and association agreement has been ratified, and it entered into force on 1 September 2013.
EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Council
To review the progress of EU-Serbia relations under the stabilisation and association process, representatives from the EU and Serbia meet in the EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Council.
As of January 2022, there have been six EU-Serbia Stabilisation and Association Council meetings. At the latest meeting, participants discussed EU-Serbia relations, including the COVID-19 pandemic and EU assistance, political criteria, economic criteria, EU law and pre-accession assistance.
Annual progress review
Every year, the Council takes stock of progress made in each of the EU candidates and partners, including Serbia, on their European path.
On 16 December 2025, the Danish Council presidency issued conclusions that were politically supported by 26 of the EU member states.
Border management cooperation
To manage migratory flows, counter illegal immigration and tackle cross-border crime, the EU and Serbia have a pending agreement on broader cooperation on operational activities carried out by the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex). The agreement allows Frontex and Serbia to conduct joint operations and for Frontex staff to carry out border checks and register persons.
The agreement with Serbia was completed on 21 February 2025 and will enter into force on 1 April 2025.
European peace facility
Under the European peace facility, an instrument aimed at preventing conflict and strengthening international security, the EU has adopted assistance measures to support the Balkan medical task force. The support includes procuring the necessary equipment and materiel for the medical units of Serbia’s armed forces and aims to strengthen military medical capabilities and civilian relief efforts in the Western Balkans region.
Last review: 16 December 2025