Western Balkans on the way to the European Union: problems and prospects
Keywords:
Western Balkans, European Union, integration, negotiation process, Stabilisation and Association Process, CEFTA, EU membership, economic cooperationAbstract
The article deals with the issues of Western Balkans’ participation in the European integration processes and considers the evolution of cooperation between the Balkan countries and the European Union, which initiated a number of targeted economic and financial assistance programs, additional mechanisms of support (PHARE, CARDS, IPA I, IPA II) and preparation for joining the EU (SAP). As regards the Western Balkan countries, the European Union is guided not only by an individual approach, but also by a regional one involving the idea of participation in CEFTA. Based on the European Commission Reports (2014-2015), the Western Balkans’ progress in integration preparation is assessed. Outlining some intermediate results with a focus on economic issues the author concludes that Western Balkan countries are not yet ready to join the European Union.
