ISAC promotes and serves the transformation of Serbia towards EU and Euro-Atlantic membership by
addressing the challenges facing the country and the region, influencing policy and decision-making through
research, policy proposals, political analysis and forecasts, and specialist education, with the ultimate aim of
attaining a more prosperous future for the present and coming generations.
ISAC Fund dedicates a notable portion of its work to publishing, by printing original writing, translations of the most important documents and fundamental works in the areas of international relations, European integrations and security.
ISAC Policy Perspective
"Serbian-Albania trade tripled since 2006: Why there is room – and need – for more?"
In the light of the experience of European integration in the past fifty years, mutual trade and economic integrations have been the basis for the improvement of relations between Serbia and Albania through a so-called spill-over effect. In the same manner, these states should push for the further development of trade relations, which could then serve as the basis for the improvement of overall relations and for a reconciliation process between the two nations on their path towards the EU. ISAC Fund has prepared a set of policy recommendations having in mind the need for even tighter economic connections with Albania.
CEFTA 2006 - Just a phase in transition or a springboard for the EU membership?
CEFTA 2006 is one of the most important regional initiatives in the Western Balkans. In the last 4 years, CEFTA has helped reestablish the political and economic cooperation between the countries of the region, thus contributing to their preparations for the EU membership. However, there are provisions outlined in the CEFTA 2006 agreement that have still not been put into practice, due to the lack of political will. Accordingly, ISAC Fund has prepared a set of policy recommendations that would help with the full implementation of the CEFTA 2006 capacities.
(available in the Serbian language only)
NATO AND SERBIA
The text comments the arguments for and against accession to NATO used during the recent debate in Serbian public (2010). The author lists all of the positive effects and benefits that Serbia could obtain from membership in NATO. The paper also contains a set of practical foreign and security policy proposals if the country remains neutral.
Through Blood, Sweat and Tears Serbia could, at the earliest, enter the EU in 2018
In this analytical text Željko Pantelić counters often unrealistic promises of Serbia’s imminent joining to the EU, by explaining accurate perspective of Serbia’s road to EU, and main phases of the process.
ISAC Fund launches a new publication, the ISAC POLICY PERSPECTIVE
In order to attain one of its key goals – the qualitative improvement of public policy development in Serbia – as well as to provide timely commentary of important developments and policy issues in Serbian, regional and European affairs with its unique point of view, the ISAC Fund is launching its new publication: the ISAC POLICY PERSPECTIVE. The first ISAC Policy Perspective, titled “Defining the Anti-reformers, Redefining the Reformers”, written by Milan Pajevic, Chairman if the ISAC Fund International Advisory Board, also marks the beginning of Mr Pajevic’s full-time engagement with ISAC.
The ISAC Policy Perspective will be published when events warrant it, rather than on any regular timeline. It is ISAC Fund’s aim to engage firstly its International Advisory Board members as authors of the ISAC Policy Perspective, but also the like-minded experts, ISAC Fund alumni, friends and other reform-oriented individuals.
Analysis and Policy Papers
With the support of the European Fund for the Balkans, ISAC Fund’s research team presents its most recent policy study titled FROM FOUR PILLARS OF FOREIGN POLICY TO EUROPEAN INTEGRATION: IS THERE A WILL FOR STRATEGICALLY ORIENTING SERBIA’S FOREIGN POLICY?
This study examines the problems of Serbia’s foreign policy from 2008–2012, as evaluated on three points: its lack of long-term strategy; the malfunctioning of its system of decision-making and supervision; and the problems of its process of harmonization with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy. The main purpose of this study is to offer a set of recommendations for reforming the approach to these questions, derived from an in-depth examination of the mentioned foreign policy aspects with the aim of bolstering the nation’s political standing abroad.
Civil Society - an important asset in EU accession negotiations in Serbia and Montenegro
Neutrality in Europe in the 21st century and the Case of Serbia
The topic of this analysis is the development and the dynamic change of the concept of neutral state in international relations since the XIX century. The text also presents the cases of few European states that are commonly accepted as being permanently neutral, or which strive to be accepted as such. Based on both theoretical standpoints and practical cases, the author has outlined the conditions that one state needs to meet in order to be internationally accepted as permanently neutral in post- Cold war era. Finally, the author compares these conclusions with the case of Serbia’s self-proclaimed status of neutrality.
Using Candidacy to Entice Further Reform
This paper looks at why Serbia should receive Candidacy Status for European Union membership in light of the European Council decision taken in December 2011. It argues that Serbia can achieve much more vis-à-vis reforms and the adoption of the acquis if its European path is kept open and steadily encouraged, in this case via Candidacy Status. The paper also considers the effects of Kosovo in the overall European integration process of Serbia and how further integration can assist in finding an acceptable solution for both sides.
Although Turkey sees itself increasingly as an emerging power in international relations, it leads the policy that is in line with NATO stability priorities in the Western Balkans. Many countries in the region continue to accept the independent initiative of Turkey, which represents an opportunity for Turkey to use this influence as a subject for negotiations with the EU.
Based on the conclusions of the conference "New Turkish Foreign Policy in the Western Balkans" held in April 2011, and independent research, ISAC is publishing the policy paper "Turkey in the Western Balkans: The Means and Goals of the New Foreign Policy." The document contains overall analysis of the new Turkish approach to the region, and a set of policy recommendations in relation to the same topic for Serbia and other Western Balkan states.
With the support of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation (Tirana and Belgrade office), ISAC Fund has organised two workshops under the Chatham House Rule on the topic of Serbian-Albanian relations. Participants included experts, representatives of the civil society and political elites from both Serbia and Albania. The conclusions from these workshops, together with the results of ISAC’s in-house research.
The goal of this policy paper was to identify all the obstacles (not directly connected to the issue of Kosovo) that obstruct further improvement of relations between the two countries, and to give the practical policy proposals to the elites of both countries on how to remove or, at least, reduce their influence.
LectureResume - Turkeyand the Western Balkans- a view from Poland, by Adam Balcer, Programme Director of the Centre for European Strategy Demos Europe from Warsaw, held on June 23rd, 2011at the Institute for European Studies in Belgrade.
In this lecture, Mr. Balcer referred to the radical shift in foreign policy of Turkey, and made observations about its possible effects on the Western Balkans.
CEFTA 2006 - Challenges and Opportunities
This Collection of Essays intends to provide a thorough overview of the challenges and benefits for Serbia and the region within CEFTA 2006. As CEFTA 2006 is the second most significant trade market for Serbia, this publication intends to raise awareness on the importance of developing more proactive and broader regional initiatives.
Turkey`s New Approach to the Western Balkans
Turkey is presently among the most active external political actors in the Western Balkans. Yet the perception of its new activism in this part of south-east Europe is often emotional and seldom pragmatic. As such, this paper attempts to provide a non-exhaustive overview of the various aspects of this new Turkish approach to the region. It also aims to provide a sober, facts-based assessment, which can serve as a starting point for an informed discussion on Turkey`s new role in the Western Balkans.
The Essay Compendium "Russia Serbia Relations at the Beginning of XXI Century"
This Compendium presents a collection of the best and most interesting papers and analyses, published within the reports of the two-year Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations project, as well as the selected presentations from the round tables and workshops also held as a part of this project.
SERBIAN-ALBANIAN RELATIONS: STATE AND PERSPECTIVES
This Paper represents an effort of the ISAC Fund to address another sensitive topic of regional cooperation. It strives to show that there are numerous issues in bilateral relations between Serbia and Albania which should not wait for the Kosovo issue to be finally settled.
Serbian - Russian cooperation in the field of culture and religion; Seventh Report of Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations Project
LEGAL ANALYSIS OF THE ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN SERBIA AND RUSSIA IN THE FIELD OF OIL AND GAS INDUSTRY
ISAC Fund’s team prepared this document in cooperation with the Law Office Nikolić-Kokanović-Otašević from Belgrade. The aim of the analysis was to review the entire Oil and Gas Arrangement, from the standpoint of the legal regulations of the Republic of Serbia and the international treaties that bind Serbia, as well as to identify potential problems in this area of Serbian economy that may arise during the implementation of this Agreement.
The analyses led to several conclusions. The Arrangement itself is without precedent in the recent practice of entering into international agreements in Serbia. A number of issues that were mentioned in the Arrangement have no binding characteristics. Some of the provisions are in the apparent contradiction with Serbian legislation, as well as with the international treaties where Serbia is one of the parties.
Žarko Petrović
Research Director, International and Security Affairs Centre, ISAC Fund
Serbia started to formulate balanced policy regarding the Initiative of the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev for adopting the New European Security Treaty. Serbia should continue with this policy, because a country wishing to become a EU candidate country cannot conduct independent policy regarding such an important issue as international security. Besides, this initiative is primarily directed towards increasing Russian security. Serbia should follow the EU policy regarding this Initiative.
By following the EU policy Serbia would thereby prove to the "enlargement sceptics" in the EU countries that it is, in fact, not a "Russian proxy" in the Balkans.
Russia and the Western Balkans
In this study Dušan Reljić, Senior Researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, analyzes the processes which conditioned the reinvigoration of Russia’s political and economic influence in this part of Southeast Europe. The conclusion is, above all, that following years of Russia’s declining influence, and the increase in US domination, the conflict over Kosovo re-opened the space for Russia’s return into the Western Balkans. In this conflict, Belgrade is dependent on Moscow’s support.
Also, the construction of the South Stream gas pipeline ties, in the long term, the energy security of South East Europe to Russian supplies.
The European Union, in spite of the fact that all countries in the region see their political future in accession thereto, will in future have to take into account not only the will of the United States of America, but also the influence of Russia in the Western Balkans.
Energy in the Southeast Europe Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations Project Sixth Report
Fifth Report of Monitoring Russi Serbia Relations Project
Prof Dr Miroslav Jovanović Medvedev in Belgrade: two aspects of the announced visit (pdf)
On symbolism in foreign policy and on the announcement and background of the visit of the Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Serbia. On strategic partnership and on the responsibility of Serbian elites.
The Fourth Report of the Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations project
ISAC Fund started the realization of the Project “Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations” in September 2008. The idea for the project came from the need to comprehend the relationship between Russia and Serbia in a
realistic manner which can be based on facts, from the point of view of Serbia’s rational interests.
The Third Report of the Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations project
ISAC Fund started the realization of the Project “Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations” in September 2008. The idea for the project came from the need to comprehend the relationship between Russia and Serbia in a
realistic manner which can be based on facts, from the point of view of Serbia’s rational interests.
The first and second report of the Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations project
ISAC Fund started the realization of the Project “Monitoring Russia Serbia Relations” in September 2008. The idea for the project came from the need to comprehend the relationship between Russia and Serbia in a
realistic manner which can be based on facts, from the point of view of Serbia’s rational interests.
The Guides Edition
The Guide for Local and Regional Governments on Serbia’s Path Towards the EU The Guide is intended to provide information about importance of regional and local stakeholders in the EU arena, as well as to present EU policies that are of the crucial importance for the local development (EU Agricultural and rural policy, EU Regional policy, EU Environmental policy). Moreover it presents current and future opportunities and obligations rising from European integration process
ISAC’s new publication - “Serbia’s Association With The EU” serves to support Serbia’s progress towards EU candidacy status, and it is designed as a reference and as a learning tool for use by both professionals, who are working on issues related to Serbia and the EU, and by wider audience interested in the subject matter. The main topics addressed by this publication range from the structure of the EU, over EU’s regional approach towards the Western Balkans, to the practical steps Serbia needs to take on its road from the signing of the SAA until the attainment of the full EU membership status.
NEW PUBLICATION - WHAT IS PARTNERSHIP FOR PEACE?
Publication What is Partnership for Peace?, new edition of ISAC Fund, serves to portray in a concise and understandable manner the main ideas, history, benefits and challenges of Partnership for Peace Program and Serbia’s role in it. This edition also targets younger generation aiming to provide it with the essentials and purpose of the program and its implications on Serbian society.
The Guide To Serbia's Association With The EU The lack of concrete, precise and understandable information about the EU, and that of current and future relations between the EU and Serbia, has been successfully addressed by the authors in a clear and graspable language which, with an attractive design and layout, allows for a fast and easy way to comprehend the presented information, thus making this Guide suitable for a wide range of audiences.
The Business Guide to the Stabilization and Association Agreement Continuing its efforts to contribute to correctly informing citizens of Serbia, ISAC fund is publishing a new guidebook, which is dedicated to better understanding the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA), particularly its economic and business aspects. The difference between the “Guidebook through the SAA” and this guide, is that the Business Guide is generally meant for businesses and economic experts.
This guide is a compilation of three chapters, which describe in detail what are the goals and elements of the SAA and its impact on the economy and business of Serbia.
Guide Through the Stabilization and Association Agreement As the process of Stabilization and Association to European Union is still unknown to the public in Serbia this Guide is, in details, explaining each of the stages of the process, as well as the history that led to the Agreement and steps which Serbia needs to make in order to conclude and implement it. Available in Serbian language only.
This publication is not available any more.
Guide to the Partnership for Peace This Guide provides key information about the Partnership for Peace programme, its place in the general NATO framework, as well as the role that Serbia, as one of its members, plays in it. It is intended for experts and practitioners in the field of international relations and security, but also for all those who wish to find out more about the current and potential results of the Euroatlantic integration of Serbia. Available in Serbian language only.
This publication is not available any more.
Guide Through the Accession to the European Union This Guide introduces the basic notions of European integration largely exploring the stages of the Stabilization and Association Process. It is an indispensable companion for everyone who professionally deals with European integration of Serbia, as well as to all those interested in EU affairs. Available in Serbian language only.
This publication is not available any more.
Guide Through the Euro-Atlantic Partnership
Concise and comprehensive guide through the main concepts, history, structure and activities of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership. Offering a fundamental insight into the Euro-Atlantic Partnership, the guide contributes to the better understanding of this topical issue of the security integration of the Republic of Serbia. Available in Serbian language only.
This publication is not available any more.
Compendia and Collected Lectures
The Collection of Interviews on Serbian-Albanian relations: A view from Albania
This Collection represents the latest effort of the ISAC Fund to address another sensitive topic of regional cooperation. The publication aims to provide the information about elites in Albania and their perspective on the relations with Serbia and the Serbs. Furthermore, the Collection touches upon topics of internal political situation in Albania, as well as its current position in the region and in Europe.
Collected Lectures from the 9th School of Security Sector Reform
With the kind help from the Royal Danish Embassy in Belgrade and the Ministry of Defence of the Kingdom of Denmark, the ISAC Fund publishes the Compendium consisting of nine notable lectures of international and domestic experts given at the 9th School of Security Sector Reform, held in Belgrade, in April 2007.
Compendium of Lectures from the School of Security Sector Reform – Second and Extended Edition
Due to an unexpectedly high level of interest, the first issue of the Compendium went out of stock by the end of 2006. With the support of the Canadian Embassy in Belgrade, the ISAC Fund published the Second and Extended Edition of this Compendium.
Compendium of lectures held at the Schools of Security Sector Reform
The first edition of the Compendium, published in mid 2006 with the assistance of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Belgrade, consists of twelve distinguished papers presented at the earlier Schools of Security Sector Reform. Thematically, the Compendium has a wide scope, from debates on fundaments of security sector reform, through some specific problems of the aspects of this process, up to the issues of security integrations and of peace-keeping.
Source documents
Michel Foucher “L'Union européenne un demi-siècle plus tard: état des lieux et scénarios de relance”
In cooperation with the ISAC Fund, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia has published the book by Michel FoucherL'Union européenne un demi-siècle plus tard: état des lieux et scénarios de relance, translated into Serbian by Prof. dr Predrag Simić. In the period from 2005 to 2009, as a result of the unfavourable outcome of the referenda on the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe in France and the Netherlands, and the rejection of the Lisbon Treaty in Ireland, the EU has undergone a deep institutional and political crisis. These events triggered a broad debate within the EU member states on the issues of institutional reform, and the challenges to the EU’s Economic, Enlargement and Neighbourhood policy. Michel Foucher’s book is the result of the research on this debate regarding EU’s reform and future prospects.
The publication is available in bookstores and the online store of the Official Gazette.
By publishing the translation of the European Security Strategy, a key
document in the European security architecture, ISAC contributes to a better
understanding of the European Security and Defence Policy.
Original version of the European Security Strategy in English.
ISAC in Academic Journals
Insight Turkey, Vol. 13 No. 3, 2011 SETA Foundation for Political, Economic and Social Research
Turkish Interests and Involvement in the Western Balkans: A Score-Card by Žarko Petrović and Dušan Reljić
The article describes Turkey’s transformation into an important regional actor in the Western Balkans and examines the extent and limits to its influence. It further looks at the future prospects for the development of relations between Western Balkan countries and Turkey, with regards to the EU integration process.
Međunarodna politika, Januar-March 2011 Institute of International Politics and Economics, Belgrade - Igor Novaković
The Concept of Neutral State
The article describes development of the concept of neutrality, its dynamic nature and implementation by some European countries.
Western Balkan Security Observer, April-June 2010 Center for Civil-Military Relations - Igor Novaković
"European" and "extreme" populists in the same basket - the new government of the Republic of Bulgaria
The topic of this article is the phenomenon of populism at Bulgarian political scene during the last 10 years and its impact on the formation of the new government.
Democracy and Security, April 2010 Atlantic Initiative, Bosnia and Herzegovina - Žarko Petrović
Russia's influence on the developments in Serbia Topic of the article is Serbia’s foreign policy and the influence of Russia.
Western Balkan Security Observer , Januar-March 2010 Center for Civil-Military Relations - Igor Novaković
Multilateral operations - NATO The aim of the article is to describe the development of NATO and its transformation from a traditional political-military defensive alliance to the organization of multi-dimensional structures engaged in a number of multilateral operations.
