The principle of active youth participation is defined in the Law on Youth (Zakon o mladima, 2011; amended in 2022). Article 8 of the Law stipulates that a stimulating environment and active support for youth participation shall be ensured by all actors, particularly youth policy stakeholders. This includes support for young people’s youth activities, encouragement of initiative-taking and their purposeful involvement in decision-making processes and in the implementation of decisions. Such participation should contribute to both personal and social development and be based on young people’s access to complete information.  

In addition, the Youth Strategy in the Republic of Serbia for the period 2023-2030 (Strategija za mlade u Republici Srbiji za period 2023-2030) further elaborates the concept of youth participation in its vision statement, which emphasises that young people are active and equal participants in all spheres of social life. The Strategy highlights young people’s full development of their potential, their contribution to personal and social well-being and their role in creating better living conditions and contributing to the overall development of society. 

The Constitution of the Republic of Serbia (Ustav Republike Srbije, 2006; amended in 2021) defines Serbia as a state of Serbian people and all citizens who live in it, founded on the rule of law and social justice, principles of civil democracy, human and minority rights and freedoms, and commitment to European principles and values. According to its constitutional framework, the Republic of Serbia is organised as a parliamentary democracy.  

Sovereignty derives from the citizens, who exercise it through referendums, popular initiatives and through their freely elected representatives. The system of government is based on the separation of powers into legislative, executive and judicial branches. In addition, citizens have the right to provincial autonomy and local self-government, which they exercise either directly or through freely elected representatives. 

Legislative power is vested in the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia (Narodna skupština Republike Srbije). The National Assembly adopts laws and other general acts, oversees the work of the Government, and performs other constitutionally defined functions. 

Executive power is exercised by the President of the Republic and the Government of the Republic of Serbia. The Government is accountable to the National Assembly for the overall policy of the Republic of Serbia, for the implementation of laws and other general acts adopted by the National Assembly, and for the work of public administration bodies. The Government consists of the Prime Minister, one or more Vice Presidents and ministers. 

Judiciary power belongs to courts of general and special jurisdiction. The judiciary is independent and unified throughout the territory of the Republic of Serbia. Courts are autonomous and independent in their work. 

In line with the Constitution, every citizen of the Republic of Serbia who has reached the legally prescribed age and has full legal capacity has the right to vote and to be elected. 

Elections in Serbia are free and direct, and voting is conducted by secret ballot and in person. Voting takes place at designated polling stations. Citizens may also exercise their voting rights outside their place of permanent residence, as well as from abroad, in accordance with the law.