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The EU's raw materials diplomacy: Serbia as a test case. The rule of law and sustainability as benchmarks for Europe's raw materials cooperation

Author

Listed:
  • Müller, Melanie
  • Strack, Lea
  • Vulović, Marina

Abstract

In July 2024, the European Union (EU) and the Serbian government signed a strategic raw materials partnership. For the EU, this cooperation represents an important step towards diversifying its supply chains and strengthening economic partnerships in its neighbourhood. Serbian President Aleksandar Vuéci´c has a geopolitical interest in this cooperation, which he also wants to use to further consolidate his already extensive power domestically. The signing of the partnership agreement has triggered massive protests in Serbia. Critics fear that the implementation of the raw materials partnership could further undermine already fragile rule-of-law structures, as well as environmental and social standards. The case of Serbia illustrates that the EU can only exert limited influence on the country's authoritarian government in a geopolitically tense context. However, it must strategically use its available leverage to mitigate the existing risks.

Suggested Citation

  • Müller, Melanie & Strack, Lea & Vulović, Marina, 2025. "The EU's raw materials diplomacy: Serbia as a test case. The rule of law and sustainability as benchmarks for Europe's raw materials cooperation," SWP Comments 10/2025, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:swpcom:315536
    DOI: 10.18449/2025C10
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