Spahiu: I do not expect direct consequences of EU reforms for the region, but possible “tightening” of criteria

Political analyst Nexhmedin Spahiu stated that he does not expect the Western Balkans to face direct consequences from the planned EU reorganization, but that these reforms could indirectly lead to a further “tightening” of the criteria for joining the Union.

“I don’t believe there will be direct consequences for the Balkans, but indirect ones are possible since some of the criteria may be tightened, and the Western Balkan countries already struggle to meet those standards required by the European Community,” Spahiu told Kosovo Online.

He emphasized that of all the reforms the EU is planning, those related to environmental protection will be the hardest to implement in the Balkans.

“In the Western Balkans, we don’t have much awareness of environmental preservation, especially in Kosovo, which is the worst in that regard. But other countries are not that far off either. This could affect the accession process by making it more complicated,” the analyst stressed.

He added that environmental protection is good for all countries in the region, but the failure to comply with EU criteria negatively affects the accession process.

Spahiu underlined that within the scope of EU reforms, the good news would be if the efficiency of European institutions is improved.

“If the administration becomes more efficient and faster, that could have a positive impact on the Balkans as well,” Spahiu believes.

When asked how much the Western Balkan countries should fear that this process might jeopardize their path toward EU membership, Spahiu had no clear answer.

“It may, but it may not,” the analyst concluded.