The EU accession process, primarily based on the alignment of domestic legislation with acquis communataire, also includes the harmonization of national foreign policy of the candidate country with the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the EU.

Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU aims to preserve the shared values, enhance the security of the Union, maintain peace and international security, promote international cooperation and develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Future EU Member States are expected to be capable of conducting political dialogue on CFSP, align with the positions of the EU, participate in EU actions, and apply agreed sanctions and restrictive measures. In the negotiating process, this area is covered by Chapter 31.

In that regard, the EU invites Serbia to join its political declarations, as well as communications concerning climate change. In 2014, Serbia supported 26 political declarations of the Council of the European Union, and aligned with all the communications on climate change.

Joint EU missions with the Member States and partner states are being carried out in the context of CFSP implementation. The level of Serbia’s participation in EU (and UN-led) peace operations constantly increases every year, and at present the country participates in four EU operations: EUTM Somalia, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA Somalia, EUFOR RCA in the Central African Republic, and EUTM Mali. At the invitation of the EU, Serbia expressed readiness to participate in the EU's civilian mission in Mali (EUCAP Sahel Mali). By participating in these missions, Serbia contributes to international peace and security and the promotion of stability in crisis areas.

In December 2013, the Security Cooperation Agreement was signed by Serbia and the EU in Brussels, defining the framework for cooperation between the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Serbian Ministry of Defence. The agreement enables closer cooperation with the EU in the area of defence industry by including the Serbian Ministry of Defence in EDA projects and programs, and presents an opportunity for enhancement of interoperability of Serbia’s military capacities, and strengthening of domestic defence industry and research potentials of Serbian institutes, as well as technological modernization of armed forces.

Adopting the Laws on the Export and Import of Dual-Use Goods (November 2013), the Export and Import of Arms and Military Equipment (October 2014), and on ratifying the Arms Trade Treaty (October 2014), the Republic of Serbia harmonized its legislation with the EU’s provisions in the field of arms, military equipment and dual-use goods export control.

For further information please visit: http://www.mod.gov.rs