Western Balkans region faces number of difficulties when it comes to the EU integration process and internal political dynamics seem to make situation even more difficult. Brexit and EU elections represent the biggest threat to the enlargement process, which is already at the backstage for many EU decision makers. Prior to the EU elections, EU actors avoided discussion on enlargement because of its political sensitivity. After elections everyone is impatiently expecting to see composition of new Commission and find out names of other officials on important positions within the EU, which will influence attitude towards enlargement in the future. In addition, delays in negotiations with Britain are detrimental to the WB countries, since all efforts are being invested in Brexit, instead of being redirected to the WB.
Overall objective is to contribute to regional cooperation, and strengthen regional cohesion in the WB6 region.
Specific objectives are:
- To assess the impact of events in 2019 (Bregzit, European Parliament elections) on the perspective of integration of the Western Balkan countries and contribute positively to this process;
- To encourage a debate on European integration;
- To form a platform for joint public advocacy activities of the Western Balkan countries.
Expected results:
- Created reliable and updated sources of knowledge and information about the European integration process;
- Conducted common advocacy activities for the Western Balkans’ accession to the European Union;
- Initiated public debate on the European path of the Western Balkan countries.
The project is implemented by the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) from Tirana as lead organization and European Movement in Serbia from Belgrade and European Policy Institute from Skopje are project partners, with the support of the Western Balkan Fund.
Project duration: June 2019 – March 2020.
