The Limits of Europeanization on Minority Rights in Serbia: The Roma Minority

Abstract

Among the main conditions for joining the European Union (eu) are the protection of human rights, and particularly the protection of minority rights. In this way, the eu has become an important external dynamic that changes domestic policies. In this article, the limits of Europeanization are analysed at two different levels: at the legal and at the societal level. In the last years, Serbia has adopted legislative changes that have increased the protection level granted to minorities in the country. However, its implementation/internalization is considered to be one of the biggest post-conflict problems in Serbia. This article argues that Europeanization has strong limitations regarding minority’s rights in Serbia. By focusing on the situation of the Roma minority in the country, we try to access the limits of Europeanization at the societal level, arguing that they are still victims of discrimination, segregation and limited participation in public life.