In recent years, the EU has tried to provide solutions to many of the problems that concern it, directly or indirectly. Despite the changes it has brought on internal issues during the economic crisis, migration flows, etc., it has not been able to find a solid solution for its policy in the Western Balkans. After the 2019 elections and with the appointment of the new Commission, it became clear that the Western Balkans (WB), despite their geographical position (they are surrounded by member states), are still far from becoming a member of the EU. However, there are still efforts both from EU and the region’s countries, to keep on with the Europeanization of the WB. This willingness was also seen from the recent EU-WB meeting at the beginning of December in Tirana, the first one to be held in the Western Balkans.
The Head of the South-East Europe Program at the Hellenic Foundation for European & Foreign Policy Prof. Armakolas expressed his belief that after the Tirana summit “there are now signs that the EU is speeding up the enlargement process. This is clear from the bloc looking ahead to the gradual integration of the Western Balkans—an idea that has been around for a long time and is important—in the Summit’s conclusions”. The professor’s views reflect reality, since the EU, pressured by international developments, albeit timidly, is returning its gaze to the WB. The Tirana declaration reaffirms the EU’s unequivocal support for the EU perspective of the Western Balkans.
The Western Balkans are in an area of particular geopolitical importance since they border with the EU. Their “control” by third powers such as those of Russia, China, Turkey who is traditionally involved in the region, but also the countries of the Arab world (mainly in countries with strong Muslim element such as Albania and Bosnia-Herzegovina) can prove harmful for the EU and the West. At the Tirana Summit, the leaders proceeded to report on the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the energy crisis it brings. Despite this announcement, the EU must pay particular attention to the region as Russia’s presence is increasing, especially in relation to its relations with Serbia. The involvement of Russia in affairs of WB and particularly Serbia, can act as a trojan horse, as it delays the integration of the region in organizations such as the EU and NATO by simultaneously increasing the integration in a region that has always shared gunpowder. At a time when the US has not focused their interest on the region, the EU is the only Western power that can halt a possible destabilization of the region.
Serbia is by far the most important factor among the countries in the region and at the same time the biggest problem due to its non-alignment with European decisions, mainly regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Serbia’s European integration depends on the moves that Brussels will make in the next period. The EU’s enlargement policy must give clear answers for the future of the region, especially towards countries like Serbia, with a view to stability in the region.
The Tirana Summit can act as the beginning of a brighter European future for the region, without of course providing the hope of a political enlargement, like that of 2004 and 2007, will take place. The leaders of the Western Balkans have a long way to go and must continue with domestic reform. The fight against corruption and money laundering must become a priority along with the reforms on the rule of law. In addition, the strengthening of cooperation in the field of migration is one of the pillars of collaboration between EU and the region that will especially help the relations between them and management of migration flows. In his statement, the President of the European Council, Mr. Michel said that “Concrete and operational coop with Western Balkan countries is fundamental in managing migration.”
It is clear to all in the EU that the future of the region needs to move towards the one-way path of its European integration. The reforms that will take place and the attempts to adapt to the European standards should also find corresponding rewards. If the perspective of one day joining the bloc remains elusive, the Western Balkans could start looking for alternatives elsewhere.
By The European Institute for International Law and International Relations.
