Muharem Rusiti
October 2024
The Western Balkans (WB), comprising Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia, despite their geographical proximity and historical ties to Europe, remain distant from EU membership. In this article, we will argue why the full integration of this region into the European Union would be beneficial for both sides.
Peace and Stability
The EU’s enlargement policy has always been a powerful tool for promoting peace and stability, and the integration of the WB is the next logical step in this direction. The Western Balkans have historically been a hotspot for ethnic tensions and conflicts, which have also indirectly affected the entire continent. Fully integrating these countries into the EU would help mitigate these tensions by promoting regional cooperation and reconciliation, particularly through the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and its various security mechanisms. These would provide a solid framework to address security challenges and foster enduring peace and stability in the Balkan peninsula and ultimately in the whole European continent.
Geopolitical Influence and Global Standing
The WB’s full EU membership would enhance Brussels’ credibility, global influence, and position on the international stage, as it would demonstrate the Union’s capacity to overcome divisions and reinforce the message that the EU is a comprehensive project of peace, unity, and prosperity. Furthermore, integrating the Western Balkans into the EU would reduce the influence of external actors that may not share the same values and interests, thereby contributing to a more secure and stable Europe. Additionally, the region’s strategic location would improve the EU’s connectivity and trade routes, particularly with Eastern Europe and Asia.
Economic Growth and Prosperity
For the Western Balkans, EU membership offers a clear pathway to economic development and prosperity. The integration of this region into the EU’s single market, with its free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor, would undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the economies of these eastern European countries while also creating new opportunities for current EU businesses by expanding the trading area, fostering this way economic growth across the whole new bloc. Moreover, the EU’s structural funds and investment in infrastructure would further enhance economic progress in these territories.
Conclusion
The EU’s commitment to the Western Balkans is evident through its substantial financial support and the Stabilization and Association Process. However, the accession path for these countries has been slow and cumbersome, with concerns over diverse unresolved regional bilateral disputes and the pace of reform on one side and the reluctance of some EU member states to welcome new associates on the other.
Despite these challenges, Brussels’ continued engagement in the Western Balkans and the full integration of the region into the EU is a strategic imperative that promises mutual benefits. For the Western Balkans, it offers a pathway to enduring peace, stability, and economic prosperity. For the EU, it promotes economic dynamism, strengthens geopolitical influence, and would complete its vision of a united Europe, enhancing its credibility and global standing.
The journey may be long and fraught with challenges, but the destination – a peaceful, prosperous, and fully integrated continent – is well worth the effort. The time has come for the EU and its member states to more boldly reaffirm their commitment to the Western Balkans, and for the countries of the region to move staunchly and decisively towards their European destiny.
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