POSSIBLE IMPLICATIONS FOR NORTH MACEDONIA AND KOSOVO OF THE DELAY IN MEMBERSHIP IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

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 two neighbouring countries of the Western Balkans, placing it in the context of the delay of EU membership. The methodology of the study is based on the qualitative analysis of official EU documents, reports of international institutions, SWOT analysis and contemporary academic literature. The results show that, despite the symbolic progress of the above-mentioned 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 rising Euroscepticism, an exodus of human capital, and the growing influence of external actors in the region. Moreover, the lack of clear EU support for resolving the two countries’ neighbouring disputes has weakened the motivation for deep reforms and contributed to the politicisation of reforms and the emergence of weaknesses in the rule of law and weak institutional capacities. The article concludes that a more proactive EU approach to enlargement through unstinting support for the path of North Macedonia and Kosovo would also encourage the process of genuine reforms and restore citizens’ trust in the EU, while the EU integration process would be seen as a reality rather than an unattainable dream for them.