Ognjanoska Stavrovska: The EU recognizes the strategic importance of the Western Balkans

Leposava Ognjanoska Stavrovska, an assistant at the International Balkan University and a Ph.D. candidate in EU law and European integration from Skopje, stated that the geopolitical context is crucial for the integration of the Western Balkans into the EU and that the EU recognizes the strategic importance of this region.

"What has changed in recent years is precisely this geopolitical context, which has intensified the pressure for EU expansion," Ognjanoska Stavrovska emphasized.

She explains that this is evident through various platforms such as the European Political Community, introduced by French President Emmanuel Macron after the onset of the war in Ukraine in 2022, as well as the Forum for Strategic and Political Discussions between EU countries and candidates from the region.

"However, the fact remains that this geopolitical pressure, which facilitated certain strategic decisions regarding Ukraine and Moldova, has not been adequately reflected or replicated in the process for the Western Balkans, which remain in a state of uncertainty regarding the future course of the enlargement process. On the other hand, such forums and platforms indicate a shift in the EU's attitude and awareness of the strategic significance of this process, especially the strategic importance of the region, namely the Western Balkans," Ognjanoska Stavrovska noted.

She reminds that the EU enlargement process has always been based on two key principles: conditionality, or the need to meet specific membership criteria, and geopolitical circumstances.

"Geopolitical circumstances have always had an impact, that is, created pressure for the admission of new member states. Regarding the Western Balkans, the fact is that the process has stagnated in recent years; the EU has failed to replicate the success it achieved with Central and Eastern European countries and to provide a predictable path for candidates from the region," she highlighted.

She believes that a successful strategy for the Western Balkans can only be one that advances the process, increasing internal momentum for reforms while ensuring a degree of predictability.

"For the EU’s credibility, we must have this predictability, and we must know where, how, and until when the process will move forward. I disagree with the notion that nothing has changed and that there is a complete deadlock; that is not true. However, it is true that this progress is not felt equally across all countries in the region. For instance, Montenegro has always shown some results in the European integration process. Recently, we’ve seen progress in Albania as well. However, this situation is perhaps least felt in our own North Macedonia, leading to a sense of Euroscepticism, which is often discussed. Still, I would not agree with that characterization," Ognjanoska Stavrovska said.

She emphasizes that understanding the European integration process requires knowledge of how it unfolds.

"We need to understand how it will proceed, whether there will be a set date for the region's countries to join, whether it will be based on the principle of differentiation, or if it will be a bloc enlargement. Ultimately, the process must deliver tangible benefits. My impression is that the last significant benefit from the European integration process for the region was visa liberalization, although the EU has implemented other policies to keep the region engaged, such as the ongoing implementation of the Western Balkans Growth Plan, which provides access to certain funds. However, there is still a need to ensure that these policies have a real impact, particularly on the lives of citizens and their perceptions of the EU," Ognjanoska Stavrovska concluded.