Category: 
Brief and Analyses

In support of a new approach with the Western Balkans: Staged accession with a consolidation phase

A cura di: 

Pierre Mirel  Honorary Director General, European Commission, Lecturer at Sciences Po-Paris

26 May 2022

French President Macron’s proposal to create a European Political Community - which goes beyond the membership of the Union - has raised many doubts about the future of the Western Balkan countries candidates for European membership.  The European Council of 23-24 June will be crucial to answer two foundamental questions: what will be the future of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia? How will the impasse created by Bulgaria on the opening of negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia be resolved?

The document analyzes the different levels of the countries of the Western Balkans on the path toward the EU  enlargement  process , examining new approaches.