Foreword
The European Union (EU) has long viewed enlargement as one of its most impactful foreign policy strategies, fostering democracy and stability in its neighboring regions. Membership in the EU carries significant credibility, motivating aspiring countries to undertake democratic reforms and align their policies with EU norms. Although the Maastricht Treaty (1992) did not explicitly define accession criteria, it laid the groundwork for establishing benchmarks for democratic governance, and later on, these benchmarks, were formalized as the Copenhagen Criteria (1993), which have since become the foundation for the EU's enlargement policy and continue to guide candidate nations today.

It has been more than 10 years since the joining of Croatia in the European Union, as the 28th member state. As the last country to join the EU, the process has slowed down significantly, showcasing the internal EU challenges as well as geopolitical complexities - which can be one of the reasons for the shifted focus towards pursuing further enlargement. In the context of the candidate countries from the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkans, its pace has been impacted by its very own readiness. Many of the candidate countries have experienced a shift of the government, democratic backsliding during the years, with some less and some more seatbacks in regards to the rule of law, freedom of press, and anti corruption efforts, making the accession long and to some extent uncertain. The enlargement process for candidate countries could become more complex if the EU applies the ‘regatta principle,’ linking the progress of the Western Balkans to that of the Eastern Partnership countries. Given the geopolitical challenges and external influences, such as Russia, that have slowed progress in the Eastern Partnership, this (possible) interconnectedness might create additional challenges and it could potentially delay the accession process for the Western Balkans.

European Integration: The Core Idea
The late Polish Pope John Paul II,often expressed the idea that Europe should function as if it were breathing with two lungs—one representing the East and the other the West. The European integration core idea was the process of countries coming together to cooperate more closely, both politically and economically, to achieve mutual benefits. It began after World War II as an effort to prevent further conflict in Europe, to rebuild countries’ economies, and promote peace. The idea was to create a united Europe that would be strong enough to address common challenges and ensure stability through cooperation. Over the decades, this vision evolved into the European Union, which now combines a single market, common policies, and shared values among its member states. The EU’s aim is not just to create economic prosperity but also to promote peace, democracy, the rule of law, and human rights across the continent.

The benefits of the enlargement are mutual
The EU Enlargement is crucial for the Western Balkans because of the Economic Development and Integration, Democracy and Governance and the Stability. The European Union (EU) enlargement is important for both the EU and the countries seeking membership, including the Western Balkans. As mentioned before, the enlargement has been one of the most successful tools of the EU. The process helps candidate countries modernize their political, economic, and social systems by aligning them with EU standards, which encourages reforms that improve governance, the rule of law, human rights, and the economy. For the Western Balkans, joining the EU offers the promise of greater stability, economic development, and improved international relations. For the EU, enlargement ensures that the Union continues to grow in both size and influence, fostering peace and security in neighboring regions. As the EU expands, it strengthens its geopolitical position, promoting stability. Enlargement also allows the EU to extend its values of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law to new countries, creating a more unified and peaceful continent.

For the Western Balkans, EU membership is crucial for overcoming historical challenges and political instability. After the conflicts of the 1990s, the region needs a stable framework for cooperation and development. Many countries in the region, such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia, have faced long-standing challenges related to governance, conflict, and economic development. The EU accession process provides these countries with clear goals and benchmarks, helping them address these issues through reforms that can transform their societies. The EU’s commitment to supporting these countries through the enlargement process encourages reforms that reduce conflict, promote dialogue, and build stronger regional partnerships. As the EU has shown with previous enlargements, such as the integration of former Eastern Bloc countries, membership fosters cooperation and reduces the likelihood of future conflicts.

What is to be mentioned is that every EU enlargement process is more difficult than the last due to a combination of factors, and that with every enlargement, the EU has raised its accession criteria, setting higher standards for candidate countries. Initially, the criteria focused on basic political and economic reforms, but over time, the EU has introduced more specific conditions, particularly concerning governance, the rule of law, human rights, and anti-corruption efforts. The Copenhagen Criteria, introduced in 1993, set out the political, economic, and legislative benchmarks that a candidate country must meet to join the EU. As the Union evolved, these criteria have become more detailed and demanding, requiring candidates to align with an ever-expanding body of EU laws and regulations, known as the acquis communautaire. Additionally, there is a growing possibility that future enlargement could be put to a referendum in individual member states, which would add another layer of complexity to the process. This could make it even harder to achieve consensus among EU members and further slow down the enlargement process.

For young people in the Western Balkans, EU enlargement offers significant opportunities for personal, social, and professional development. One of the most immediate benefits is access to educational and professional opportunities across Europe. Through programs like Erasmus+, young people can study abroad, gain international experience, and build networks that are essential for their careers. This increased mobility fosters personal growth and equips youth with the skills needed in the global labor market. Beyond education, EU membership offers a stable political and legal environment, which is crucial for the youth in a region with a history of conflict and political instability. By aligning with EU standards, the Western Balkans will see strengthened governance, human rights protections, and rule of law—key factors that ensure youth can live and work in a more secure and democratic society, at home.

In conclusion, the EU enlargement process offers countries in the Western Balkans the opportunity to modernize, grow economically, and strengthen democratic institutions. The path to EU membership is challenging, but it is a way for long-term stability and prosperity, not only for the region, but for Europe as a whole. In fact, the EU enlargement process is more than just a strategic expansion—it is a ticket towards transformation.

About Author

Iva Naskova

Iva is a Program Assistant at the National Youth Council of Macedonia. She is a MA student in International Relations, Diplomacy and European Integration at the Faculty of Law “Iustinianus Primus” in Skopje. She is a former Youth Delegate from the Macedonian delegation to the Council of Europe - Congress of Local and Regional Authorities and currently a Young European Ambassador as part of the WeBalkans, the EU Regional Communication Programme for the Western Balkans (DG NEAR). She possesses a comprehensive understanding of the myriad complexities of the democratic processes and has dedication towards fostering a prosperous future for the Western Balkans.