ASSESSMENT OF THE EUROPEAN INTEGRATION PROCESS OF THE WESTERN BALKANS THROUGH SWOT ANALYSIS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE MEMBERSHIP DELAY

Abstract

The European integration process of the Western Balkans (WB) represents one of the strategic priorities of the European Union (EU) for the stability, security and democratic development of the region. However, the continuous delay of membership and the lack of a clear time perspective have raised important dilemmas regarding the effectiveness and credibility of this process. This paper aims to assess the European integration process of the WB through a SWOT analysis, placing it in the context of the delay of membership in the EU. The methodology of the study is based on the qualitative analysis of official documents of the EU, reports of international institutions and contemporary academic literature. The results show that, despite the symbolic progress of the WB countries in the harmonization of laws and few institutional reforms, the European integration process is facing structural weaknesses such as the lack of administrative capacities, the politicization of institutions and the decline of public trust. The delay in accession itself creates serious threats, including increased Euroscepticism, the exodus of human capital and the increasing influence of external actors in the region. Moreover, the lack of a clear perspective for the countries of the region for EU membership has weakened the motivation for deep reforms and contributed to the politicization of reform processes, while the identified weaknesses in the rule of law and institutional capacities have been reinforced by the delay in integration. The paper concludes that a more credible, meritorious and predictable approach to enlargement is essential for preserving the transformative role of the EU and for guaranteeing the long-term stability of the WB.