Europe means values, not borders.
About us
"Direction Europe" Foundation„ is an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organization founded at the end of 2025 in Belgrade, with the aim of contributing to the development of a democratic, inclusive and responsible society based on European values.
The foundation acts as a platform for knowledge, dialogue and cooperation in areas of public interest, with a special focus on the process of European integration, strengthening of democratic culture, protection of human and minority rights, as well as improvement of education and public information.
Our mission is to make European values — democracy, rule of law, human rights, equality and solidarity — understandable, accessible and applicable in everyday social life.
The "Direction to Europe" Foundation believes that European integration is not only a political process, but a long-term social project that requires knowledge, citizen participation and strong institutions.
The Foundation's vision is a society in which decisions are made responsibly and transparently, in which the rights and dignity of every individual are protected, and knowledge and dialogue are the basis of development.
We stand for a Serbia that develops in accordance with European standards, through open public dialogue, education, research and cooperation with domestic and international partners.
The work of the Foundation is based on four key program directions:
Support for the process of European integration and promotion of European values
Strengthening democratic culture, rule of law and institutional responsibility
Improvement of human and minority rights, equality and social inclusion
Development of knowledge, education and public dialogue about the European Union and contemporary social challenges
These programs are implemented through education, research, publications, public events, cooperation with institutions and organizations, as well as through support for initiatives of importance for social development.
The foundation achieves its goals by organizing conferences, panels, debates and public hearings, conducting research and analysis, publishing activities, educational programs and cooperation with domestic and international organizations, foundations and experts.
We pay special attention to the publicity of the work, transparency and responsible management, in accordance with the applicable laws and the highest standards of good management.
The work of the "Direction to Europe" Foundation is public. Annual reports on work and financial operations are available to the public, and the Foundation operates exclusively with the aim of achieving common interests.
The foundation is open to cooperation with individuals, organizations and institutions that share the same values and goals.
Serbia and the EU
2008. yearSigning of the SAA
Signing Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) represents the first formal contractual relationship between Serbia and the European Union.
December 22, 2009Applying for membership
Day December 22, 2009, the Republic of Serbia has officially submitted an application for membership in the European Union.
March 2012Serbia gets candidate status
U March 2012, Serbia has won candidate status for membership in the European Union.
January 2014Open accession negotiations
U January 2014 are officially opened Serbia's accession negotiations with the European Union.
2020Introducing a new methodology - clusters
The European Union is introducing a new enlargement methodology, by which negotiating chapters are grouped into 6 thematic clusters, with a special focus on the rule of law and measurable results.
December 2021Opening of the first clusters according to the new methodology
Serbia opens:
Cluster 1 – Fundamentals
(rule of law, judiciary, human rights, media freedom, democratic institutions)
Cluster 4 – Green agenda and sustainable connectivity
(environment, energy, transport, climate policies)
2022 and 2023Limited progress in clusters
Progress in opening new clusters is conditional on results in the area of rule of law, functioning of institutions and media freedom.
2024 and 2025Focus on reforms and credibility of the process
The accession process remains open, but strongly conditioned by progress in key areas of the "Essentials" cluster. Clusters are seen as a long-term reform framework, not just a technical negotiation step.
Although the Republic of Serbia started the process of joining the European Union in 2009, and opened negotiations in 2014, more than a decade later the country is still in the initial stages of key reforms.
The introduction of clusters in 2020 was supposed to speed up and make the process more credible. However, the limited progress after the opening of the first clusters in 2021 indicates a lack of political will, consistency and real results, especially in the areas of the rule of law, media freedom and the functioning of democratic institutions.
The process of European integration in Serbia formally exists today, but it is fundamentally stagnant. The European path cannot be reduced to declarative support and technical steps, but requires concrete reforms, responsible institutions and real respect for European values.
This is precisely why European integration cannot be exclusively the task of the government, but also the responsibility of society as a whole — through informed citizens, strong public dialogue and independent organizations that insist on standards, not symbolism.
The "Direction to Europe" foundation starts from the position that Europe is not an administrative goal, but a framework of values, and that without real democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights — there is no real European path.
Programs that turn European values into reality.
Direction Europe Foundation
The main program direction of the Foundation
Areas of activity
Year of establishment
