WEST BALKANS IN THE POLITICAL STRATEGY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (1990 – 2020)

Abstract

Abstract. The study is aimed at highlighting the main issues that affect the establishment and implementation of the European Union's strategy for the Western Balkans. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, impartiality, problem-chronological presentation of the material. The method of comparative analysis of different stages of formation of the EU strategy for the Western Balkans has been used. The Scientific Novelty. A comparative analysis of the EU strategy for various countries in the Balkan region, as well as for the Eastern Partnership countries has been carried out. The Conclusions. The European Union is not ready for the final acceptation of the countries of the region as members. As of 2020, the problem of the new format of the EU's relations with the United Kingdom remains unresolved. Britain's exit has unbalanced the EU and exacerbated the contradictions between the “old” and “new” EU member states, between the “rich” and the “poor” ones, between the northern and southern EU member states. The EU's Balkan enlargement increases the number of southern member states. Obstacles to the Western Balkan countries' compliance with the political, economic and legal criteria for the EU membership still remain difficult. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Serbia, and the Republic of Northern Macedonia must complete the establishment of institutions of functioning and effective democracy, a competitive market economy, and complete the implementation of European law into national law. It is also necessary to leave behind great-power chauvinism, which destabilizes the Balkans. Only in this case, the EU's political strategy towards the Western Balkans can be considered historically successful.

Key words: Western Balkans, European Union, European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP), Kosovo, NATO, Eastern Partnership.