Public Administration Reform in Serbia

The position and role of the Serbian public administration after the collapse of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia are analysed. Two main phases in the development of public administration are identified. The first one was characterized by repression and authoritarian system of governance (1990-2000) and disorientation afterwards (2000-2004). The second, reform oriented phase began with the adoption of the Public Administration Reform Strategy in 2004. The main goals, key reform areas, as well as the shortcomings of the PAR Strategy are shown in the article. As the five-year period provided for implementation proved unrealistic, the reform process has been prolonged for another four years. The measures conducted in different fields of public administration as well as the results obtained are analysed. Finally, the main obstacles for the Strategy implementation are indicated.