The European Union consistently reiterates its commitment to European integration of the Western Balkans at all key meetings with Western Balkan political representatives. The policy of overcoming differences and creating space for cooperation is the only way in which the EU aims to integrate the countries of the Western Balkans into its community. However, the question arises as to how possible it is in today’s political arena, given that the EU itself, within the community, is faced with resolving conflicts between its members.
According to the Declaration held on December 18, 2024, in Brussels from the Summit of the leaders of the Western Balkans and the European Union, it is stated that the strategic partnership of the Western Balkans and the European Union is more important than ever in light of radical geopolitical changes, such as the Russian-Ukrainian war and the conflict in the Middle East. The Declaration clearly emphasizes the commitment to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation on security issues with the Western Balkans. It will continue to support the region in addressing hybrid and cyber threats.[1]
On the other hand, the European Community is satisfied with the determination of the Western Balkan states to respect and be committed to key European values, in accordance with international law, and to give primacy to democracy, fundamental rights, media pluralism, gender equality, freedom of expression, independent and pluralistic media, as well as a stronger role of civil society.
The Western Balkan country making the fastest progress in the European integration process is Montenegro. According to the conclusions of the Council of the EU, although progress is being made, Montenegro must improve its results in several areas: investigations, criminal prosecution with final judgments, confiscation of property acquired through crime, and comprehensive electoral reform.
Problems in the judiciary, as well as concerns regarding corruption and media freedom, were documented in reports from the US State Department and the non-governmental organization Freedom House.[2]
Bosnia and Herzegovina has, unfortunately, not made much progress in implementing EU reforms. This country has consistently failed to implement reforms related to the rule of law and the judiciary. The lack of stability in the country’s internal political sphere may be the answer to many questions, as it is a country with an administrative division into two parts (the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska), governed by three ethnic groups. Given this lack of consensus between the constituent peoples (Croats, Serbs, and Bosniaks), it is not surprising that Bosnia and Herzegovina is progressing slowly towards the EU path. This country needs to address its internal stability, improve the rule of law, and actively fight corruption.[3]
Serbia has been gripped by a wave of anti-government protests since November 2024, which, of course, affects its European path and the rule of law in general. Students and citizens continue to escalate the situation by redoubling their demands, and attempts at intimidation by the government continue. By imprisoning students and activists and cutting professors’ salaries, the regime is effectively punishing anyone who agrees with the protesting atmosphere.[4] Serbia gained EU candidate status in 2012 and has been negotiating accession for ten years; however, reforms have been very slow. President Aleksandar Vučić stated that the goal is for Serbia to fulfill all the criteria for EU membership by the end of 2026, which is a very ambitious target. Despite the lengthy process, most of the negotiation chapters have not even been opened. Belgrade has not imposed sanctions on Moscow due to the war in Ukraine, and there is also the issue of Kosovo, which remains a decades-long stumbling block on Serbia’s European path.
On March 24, 2020, EU ministers responsible for European affairs reached a political agreement on the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. The agreement was formally adopted through a written procedure, and the members of the European Council confirmed it on 26 March 2020. North Macedonia added “North” to its name in 2018 to end a long-running dispute with Greece, following the historic Prespa agreement.[5] However, the EU insists on the Copenhagen criteria and calls on North Macedonia to implement the necessary reforms, including constitutional changes. On the other hand, Albania has become one of the most pro-European and pro-American countries in the world; however, this is not sufficient for enlargement. April 8, 2025, Albania’s accession to the European Union by 2030 can be a realistic goal if the necessary reforms are implemented, the head of EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, said in Tirana.[6] Finally, this country must adopt reforms and work on the rule of law for both citizens and minorities, which is also necessary for the other countries of the Western Balkans.
Conclusion
Sustainable development, stability, and prosperity are essential for both the Western Balkans and the European Union. Suppose the goal of the countries in the Western Balkans is to become full members of the European Union and fulfill their tasks on the path to EU membership. In that case, the European Union must also demonstrate credibility and maintain an open door for membership. In any case, the path of the EU will be shaped from decision to decision, from one situation to another, and what the path of the Western Balkans will look like within the framework of integration depends on a whole series of circumstances and the unfolding of many conflicts in various parts of the world that the EU itself can no longer influence.
[1]EU-Western Balkans Summit, Brussels Declaration, 18 December 2024., https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/wvld5ka1/brussels-declaration-2024-en.pdf
[2]Glas Amerike, Koliko je realno da Crna Gora uđe u EU do 2028. godine?, https://www.glasamerike.net/a/crna-gora-evropska-unija-clanstvo-pregovori/7907213.html
[3]European Commission Staff Working Document, Bosnia and Herzegovina 2024 Report, https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/document/download/451db011-6779-40ea-b34b-a0eeda451746_en?filename=Bosnia%20and%20Herzegovina%20Report%202024.pdf
4 Center for European Policy Studies, The EU’s strategic compromises are closing its eyes to the ongoing fight for democracy in Serbia, https://www.ceps.eu/the-eus-strategic-compromises-are-blinding-it-to-the-ongoing-fight-for-democracy-in-serbia/
[5]Euractiv Special Report, Albania’s EU path decoupled from North Macedonia while Skopje remains in limbo, https://www.euractiv.com/news/albanias-eu-path-decoupled-from-north-macedonia-while-skopje-remains-in-limbo/
[6]Radio Slobodna Evropa, Pristupanje Albanije EU do 2030. realan cilj, kazala Kallas, https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/pristupanje-albanije-eu-kallas/33377529.html
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