The Western Balkans countries relations with the EU: development and perspectives

Abstract

The development of relations between Western Balkan countries and European Union represents very complicated and long-term process. During past few decades, Western Balkan countries made significant progress in that process, and as their primary goal defined common future with EU. Membership in the EU is a great incentive to the reforms, economic growth, democracy development, institutional frame constitution and stabilization in the whole region. Still there are lots of barriers and problems which obstruct those countries in their way of euro-integrations. To continue successful cooperation WB countries need to make effort in reforms implementation and approaching to European Union standards and values. In return, EU need to give full support and build appropriate capacities for preparation of Western Balkan countries for future membership. It is obvious that the association process will take a few more years. Countries of this region need to continue mutual cooperation and dialogue on all levels in order to avoid complications in relations and enlargement fatigue