Serbia applied for EU membership in Dec 2009, and it was granted EU candidate status in March 2012. The EU opened accession negotiations with Serbia in Jan 2014. By Dec 2024, the country had opened 22 out of 35 chapters, including all chapters under Cluster 1 Fundamentals and Cluster 4 Green Agenda and sustainable connectivity, and provisionally closed two chapters
After initial analysis and consultations with the Serbian Government, the EU and the UN Country Team, the programme “Knowledge for Reform Action in the Western Balkans” (K4R) has focused its support on key areas in Serbia, including the Green Agenda and sustainable connectivity.
Serbia has received K4R assistance to prepare its 2030 EU Accession Framework and the Roadmap for the Functioning of Democratic Institutions. Additionally, the K4R programme is supporting the establishment of a "Centre of Excellence" on EU integration. Through numerous technical support assignments, the programme is also cooperating with the Serbian Government in advancing its energy sector reform, accelerating the green transition and integrating with the Trans-European Energy Network in line with the EU acquis. In this context, UNOPS energy experts are facilitating structural reforms to enhance the energy market efficiency and competitiveness, diversify the energy supply sources and routes, attract investment and protect energy-vulnerable customers.
The K4R programme has been a vital partner in Serbia's EU accession process, providing targeted support in key areas such as the Green Agenda and sustainable connectivity. By assisting Serbia in developing its 2030 EU Accession Framework and the Roadmap for the Functioning of Democratic Institutions, K4R has strengthened the country’s institutional framework for EU integration. The establishment of a "Centre of Excellence" on EU integration further underscores K4R’s commitment to Serbia’s long-term progress. Additionally, K4R’s contributions to energy sector reform are critical in aligning Serbia with EU standards and advancing its green transition.