The enlargement policy of the European Union (EU) is among the most successful strategies of the union. The EU, which had 6 members when it was founded, has reached 28 members today owing to its enlargement policy. The enlargement of the EU is also a fundamental political process in terms of international relations. This process has gained more importance since the end of the Cold War. After 2004, the Union initiated a major enlargement period, the majority of which consisted of the post-communist countries of Eastern Europe. Furthermore, it has reached the Balkans by annexing Slovenia, Bulgaria, Romania and Croatia.
It is anticipated that the EU will implement further enlargement policies at the future. Especially in recent years, it has been seen that it has focused on countries such as Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia in the Western Balkans.[1]
The EU’s enlargement periods in the Western Balkans are of enormous importance for the political and economic development of the region as well as for the union’s progress towards integration. The EU aims to maintain stable peace and security in the region by accelerating integration processes within the scope of enlargement policy. The membership processes of the countries such as Montenegro, North Macedonia and Bosnia-Herzegovina are seen as a strategic policy for the EU.
Speaking at the EU-Western Balkans Summit held on 14 December 2023, EU President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the enlargement policies are progressing rapidly. Von der Leyen emphasized at the press conference that the negotiations with the countries in the region are ongoing, expressing her desire to initiate the accession processes. The public was also informed about the changes in the accession negotiations under the new government in Montenegro.[2] In addition, the fact that the new administration in Montenegro is in compliance with EU standards keeps Montenegro among the first options in a potential membership process.[3]
On the other hand, there are conditions under which Kosovo and Serbia must complete their EU commitments. According to EU President Leyen, the Western Balkan states will take an important step in the EU enlargement processes, especially if the Ohrid Treaty is implemented.[4]
Western Balkan states have approximately 35% benefit in the union economy.[5] For this reason, the EU’s enlargement policy has seen as a very lucrative strategy in terms of economy. According to von der Leyen’s statements, the “New Growth Plan” aims to double the economic growth in the Western Balkans in approximately 10 years.[6]
The EU enlargement process in the Western Balkans brings challenges as well as requiring awareness of implementing reforms. It is important for candidate countries to implement reforms in EU chapters. For instance, Montenegro was able to complete only 3 out of nearly 33 chapters.[7] This situation is associated by many to the presence of a new government.
Another example of a challenge is the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue. According to Kosovo’s Deputy Prime Minister Besnik, the difficulties in the dialogue are related to the fact that Kosovo is still not recognized by five EU countries, which faces greater obstacles compared to other states in the region.[8] The continuity of the dialogue process poses an issue not only for Kosovo but also for EU integration. It is widely accepted that Serbia must recognize Kosovo before its accession to the EU.
Aside from Montenegro, Serbia stands out as another likely candidate for EU membership. While Serbia has opened 10 chapters in its accession negotiations, it has also temporarily closed 2 chapters. Despite lagging behind in several areas compared to Montenegro, Serbia has taken significant steps in its EU membership process. The optimistic perspective on the membership processes of both countries is based on European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker’s 2017 statement. In his statement, Claude indicated the possibility of Serbia and Montenegro’s accession to the EU.[9]
There are historical examples illustrate the protracted nature of the European Union membership process. One such example is Bosnia and Herzegovina’s EU accession process. The European Commission recommended initiating negotiations after an 8-year period. Such delays raise concerns that EU policies in the region may end, leading to the exclusion of Western Balkan countries from the organization. The EU’s enlargement policy in the Western Balkans is often referred to as “unfinished task” due to the challenges encountered in candidate country application processes.[10] The enlargement policy, initiated in 2003 and concluded in Croatia’s full membership in 2013. This process, known as the 6th enlargement policy,[11] revealed the challenges faced by Balkan states in their membership application processes. This process highlights the imperative to rebuild policies crucial for the region’s implementation.
Consequently, the EU’s integration processes, particularly since the end of the Cold War, started immediately in the Balkans region. During this period, certain states engaged in negotiations to meet EU requirements. However, in recent years, the EU’s negotiation processes and enhancement policies for the Western Balkans region have become notable. Nonetheless, enlargement processes in the Western Balkans present challenges. Therefore, it is crucial for candidate countries to consciously pursue their objectives of implementing reforms. While EU support is acknowledged as an effective tool, candidate countries’ commitment to fulfill their obligations holds equal importance. The EU’s enlargement policy not only provide regional development and integration but also contributes significantly to global peace and security.
[1] James Ker-Lindsay vd., (2017). “The national politics of EU enlargement in the Western Balkans”, Southeast European And Black Sea Studies, 17(4), s. 511-512.
[2] “Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the EU-Western Balkans Summit”, Neigbourhood Enlargement, https://neighbourhood-enlargement.ec.europa.eu/news/statement-president-von-der-leyen-joint-press-conference-president-michel-following-eu-western-2023-12-14_en, (Erişim Tarihi: 29.06.2024).
[3] “EU enlargement in the Western Balkans: Expectations and obstacles”, Euronews, https://www.euronews.com/2024/03/17/eu-enlargement-in-the-western-balkans-expectations-and-obstacles, (Erişim Tarihi: 29.06.2024).
[4] “Statement by President von der Leyen at the joint press conference with President Michel following the EU-Western Balkans Summit”, a.g.e., (Erişim Tarihi: 29.06.2024).
[5] Aynı yer.
[6] Aynı yer.
[7] “EU enlargement in the Western Balkans: Expectations and obstacles”, a.g.e., (Erişim Tarihi:29.06.2024).
[8] Aynı yer.
[9] James Ker-Lindsay vd., 2017, s. 513-514.
[10] Butković, H., & Samardžija, V. (2014). “Challenges of continued EU enlargement to the Western Balkans-Croatia’s experience”. Economics and Business Review, s. 92.
[11] “Avrupa Birliği’nin Genişlemesi”, AB, https://www.ab.gov.tr/avrupa-birliginin-genislemesi_109.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 01.07.2024).
