Is there any future for the EU enlargement in the Eestern Balkans?
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.60054/PEU.2021.8.130-157Ключови думи :
EU, Western Balkans, Enlargement scenarios, Third Actors, regional cooperationАбстракт
The future of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans is now more unclear than ever. In spite of a couple of new enlargement methodologies presented in the last nine years and the fact that the region is in the process of joining the EU for almost two decades, there are no signs that it would come to a conclusion any time soon. The feeling that there is more form than substance in the process is becoming ever stronger. Disparities among the countries or groups of countries are also becoming more profound. Enlargement actually does not work like it used to -- bringing transformation to both the candidates and the Union. The paper offers several scenarios on the possible development of the enlargement process for the next decade or so. These scenarios depend on the Western Balkan countries readiness and ability to commit and perform reforms; but also, on the EU’s openness and willingness to overcome the fatigue and anxiety of admitting new Member States. These scenarios have to be seen against the backdrop of permanent crisis environment that can affect the process both negatively and positively. Third actors’ activities and influence need also to be factored in. This paper, finally, tries to inform on the repercussions of no-enlargement for the wider region of South-East Europe and the EU.
eywords: EU, Western Balkans, Enlargement scenarios, Third Actors,
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