Borrell warns of negative perceptions of EU accession process in Western Balkans

Integrating the Western Balkans is in the EU’s political, security and economic interest as a geostrategic investment in a stable and thriving Union with significant geopolitical benefits, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in the non-paper that N1 had access to prior to Monday’s the meeting of EU foreign ministers.

He warned that the people of the region are experiencing a sense of deep disappointment in enlargement because of the lack of decisive steps for Albania and North Macedonia, slow progress on the EU path in Serbia and Montenegro and in the implementation of key priorities for Bosnia-Herzegovina and the Stabilization and Association Agreement with Kosovo coupled with uncertainty over the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue.

According to Borrell, that the public is still largely in favor of EU accession despite the widespread perception of low accession prospects. He warned that nationalist rhetoric and politics are regaining momentum because of the perceived absence of an EU integration process.

The Western Balkans are an integral part of Europe and their future lies in the EU and its clear European perspective has been fully and unequivocally re-affirmed by the Council of the EU, European Commission and European Parliament, he said in the non-paper and added that the countries of the region are clear about wanting full EU membership not just economic, trade and financial cooperation. “Increasing the region’s resilience is key to strengthening the EU’s strategic autonomy and its ability to project stability in its immediate vicinity,” he said.

“The main challenge is the ability of the countries of the region to meet required standards and obligations and in the EU’s effectiveness in supporting reforms. It’s important to sustain the highest level of political engagement in the region to unlease potential and be real partners. Important for the benefits of the process to be felt progressively with visible incentives,” the non-paper said.

Borrell said that the EU and its member states should invest effort to speed up reforms in the Western Balkans and added that a strong EU presence is the best way to keep the region firmly on track to Union membership as well as the creation of a regional market based on EU rules and standards. “Pursuing a coherent and articulate public diplomacy and strategic communication is key,” the document said.

The non-paper said that the ongoing EU integration processes for Serbia and Montenegro need to be accelerated with both two countries stepping up the pace of reforms, particularly in rule of law and governance and consolidate their geopolitical orientation. “The governments of Serbia and Kosovo should seize the opportunity to reach a comprehensive normalization agreement because neither has time to lose, Borrell said.