Ana Brnabic, the Speaker of the Serbian Parliament, criticized the European Union’s enlargement process, calling it politically driven rather than based on merit. Her remarks came during a conference debate on EU enlargement in Brussels, which precedes the Western Balkans summit focusing on EU membership.
Despite aspirations for membership from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, progress has been slow, as each step requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU countries. North Macedonia, for instance, has been waiting since 2004.
The EU has renewed its expansion efforts due to the Ukraine conflict, sparking hope among Balkan countries. However, skepticism remains about the EU’s merit-based approach, with Brnabic suggesting politics play a larger role.
Recent disputes, such as Croatia blocking Montenegro’s negotiations and Bulgaria opposing North Macedonia, further complicate the process. The Western Balkans must also implement reforms to meet EU standards, a requirement not universally embraced.
Serbia, for example, is pursuing partnerships with China and Russia. Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatovic emphasized that countries must reform to receive fair rewards from the EU.
EU membership promises stability and economic opportunities, with the EU’s internal market offering significant benefits. The EU aims to incentivize reforms by granting partial market access to countries making progress.
Significant work remains for the Balkan countries to achieve membership, as highlighted by EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, who encouraged efforts akin to Slovenia’s successful accession in 2004.
Source: NOS