Selenica: Vucic is right, the EU must change its approach to Western Balkans integration

Gert Selenica, Director of the Albanian Center for Strategic Studies, stated that the European Union must change its approach to the integration of the Western Balkans and adopt a new strategy, as Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has pointed out.

"President Vucic’s message, viewed from Albania’s perspective, should be assessed positively. Of course, the decision to change the EU’s strategy belongs to Brussels, as the Union—particularly its leading states—has shown a certain skepticism toward the Balkans. This may be due to crises the EU itself has faced, such as Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, which created challenges for enlargement, or even the recent migration crisis. However, Brussels has treated us like a teacher addressing a student, often imposing conditions we have tried to meet," Selenica told Kosovo Online.

He noted that Western Balkan countries face issues with EU directives.

"We are genuinely implementing reforms in the right direction, but we struggle with their implementation. We often claim to fight corruption, but the fact remains that corruption is a major issue in all Balkan countries. We also say that citizens are involved in decision-making, but the truth is that they are increasingly excluded. These issues have likely influenced the EU to be less accommodating in the enlargement process. Nevertheless, the EU must adopt a different approach to the Western Balkans. Brussels needs to establish its 'stations' in the Balkans, which would only happen if the region were closer to the Union. A closer Western Balkans to Brussels means creating the necessary structures and mechanisms here for the EU to exert its influence and implement its policies in our region," Selenica emphasized.

He added that Western Balkan countries have made efforts in their EU accession process to enhance mutual cooperation, encompassing political, economic, and infrastructural areas.

"I’m referring to all the agreements signed between Western Balkan countries aimed at creating local markets or structures. We’ve built a kind of infrastructure for the road to the EU," Selenica noted.

He believes that, despite political statements and criticisms of the international community, it is important not to overlook the persistent issue of nationalism in the Balkans.

For Serbia, he highlighted the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina as a critical issue.

"The Balkans face significant challenges, such as the issue between Serbia and Kosovo. So, alongside political stances, we must consider what is realistically achievable. It’s well known that Serbia’s EU membership process would be easier if it recognized Kosovo. This seems like an impossible goal, but dialogue with Kosovo must nevertheless continue. The same logic applies to official Pristina. The EU’s approach to Kosovo is one of conditionality rather than generosity. As long as the mediating party insists on continuing dialogue, it means there are possibilities, but political will is needed," Selenica concluded.