European enlargement challenges, Western Balkans and the way forward

Abstract

Since its foundation, the European Union contributed to the advancement of peace and reconciliation, democracy and prosperity in Europe. This process over the years has been followed by several challenges. This research observes the challenges and prospects of European integration for the Western Balkans. The latest security, political and economic challenges affect the pace of European integration and enlargement policy. This new environment also has an impact on the credibility of the European integration process for the Western Balkans, affecting the support of citizens for the EU perspective. New additional efforts for an integration reform agenda are needed to show further progress, as the EU integration seems to be the best alternative for the Western Balkans. In addition, this research through comparative statistical evidence observes the convergence of the Western Balkans economies with the EU and further considers catching-up with the EU living standard. This assumes increasing competitiveness through higher investments and credible structural reforms, which also requires credible policymaking and political leadership. In addition to policy recommendations, this research concludes with a call for deeper political view of the European integration process because of potential conflicting short-term political and long-term economic interests and time-(in) consistency challenges of the European integration agenda of the leadership in the Western Balkans.