Policy Briefs

The long-term unfavourable Eurobarometer trends toward the admission of new EU members for now seem to have been reversed, with EU citizens generally in favour today being greater than those against. In the same fashion as the 2004 enlargement was framed through the identity argument for the purpose of reuniting Europe after the end of the Cold War, the war in Ukraine has changed the public’s perspective towards the Balkan and Eastern Neighbourhood countries. Keeping public opinion in mind is of utmost importance, since mass attitudes, through their influence on political behaviour, do play a crucial role in influencing EU enlargement policy. Against this background, the authors of this Policy Brief analyse attitudes and opinion trends towards enlargement, discuss how they are linked to Euroscepticism and overall trust in EU integration, and offer policy recommendations.

On the one hand, there is a gap between the six countries of the Western Balkans and their partners in the European Union, and on the other hand, the speed of their convergence towards the EU defines the pace of enlargement progress. All Western Balkan countries are engaged in reforms that are transforming their institutions, developing their economies, and improving the quality of life of their citizens. The EU, through its enlargement mechanism, is supporting them. But on their way to membership, their economies must grow quickly to catch up with their EU peers, and local infrastructure must be upgraded and extended. Domestic institutions should complete the reforms and also deliver on the rule of law, justice reform, the fight against corruption and organised crime, as well as security and fundamental rights. The author of this Policy Brief creates a methodological framework that links the local infrastructure, domestic institutions, and people, allowing us to understand the dynamics and complexity of sustainable and resilient development paths as well as identify entry points for the Western Balkans and EU policy-makers.

In the short period of two years, from 4 April 2021 to 2 April 2023, Bulgaria’s citizens were sent to the polls to vote in six elections: five snap general elections and one presidential election. Citizens are overwhelmed and exhausted. The exceptional has become the most constant: crisis, argues the author of this Policy Brief. The Policy Brief analyses the symbolic battles between elites and citizens for framing and dominating political crises and offers policy recommendations.

When the 2015 refugee crisis broke out, civil societies in Greece and North Macedonia were featuring similar structural weaknesses, such as a lack of professionalism and weak organisational capabilities. Since then they have benefitted from the availability of funding, among others from the European Union, and the interaction and collaboration with international non-profits and donors. Yet, so far they have failed to capitalise on these developments in order to substantially enhance their resilience and sustainability, argue the authors of this Policy Brief. Nevertheless, they consider that prospects for cooperation and joint endeavours do exist and should be investigated further in the future.

Democratic governments are expected to engage with civil society organisations and give them the “space” they need to fulfil their roles in society. Due to their importance in supporting democratic transition, especially in EU candidate countries, the EU is providing them with Pre-accession funding. The authors of this Policy Brief focus on the role of civil society organisations in the two post-socialist countries of Hungary and Serbia by analysing the data provided by the Civil Society Organization Sustainability Index and offer policy recommendations.

In 2018, the European Commission launched the Digital Agenda for the Western Balkans, which supports the transition of the region into a digital economy and society, including higher economic growth, more employment opportunities, and better services. It focuses on lowering the cost of roaming, deploying broadband, building capacity in digital trust, and digitalising industries. The author of this Policy Brief explores the state of digitalisation in the Western Balkans, the role of the organisations involved in this transformation, and offers policy recommendations.

A vibrant civil society contributes to fulfilling the conditions for EU membership. That is why the European Union promotes citizen participation in social and political life in candidate and potential candidate countries, monitors their policies towards their civil society bodies, and provides financial support from the Instrument for Pre-accession Assistance, and especially the Civil Society Facility. „Democratisation from below“ empowers citizens to participate in the political process and encourages individuals to be informed, voice their opinions, and take part in decision-making. The authors of this Policy Brief explore this concept as a bottom-up approach to democracy, emphasising the active role of citizens and civil society organisations in promoting and sustaining democratic values. Moreover, they provide specific examples from Serbia, showcasing the power of individual actions and initiatives to bring about positive change.

The Western Balkan region is facing a double transition: first, changing from centralised state-controlled systems to open and competitive markets, and second, moving towards decarbonisation. Both transitions are in line with the Green Agenda of the EU and are important pillars of its Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. In this context, the author of this Policy Brief, analyses the consequences of dependent capitalism on the environment. Moreover, this Policy Brief questions the concept of environmental democracy in the Western Balkans and discusses how the enlargement process affects the consideration of environmental issues in public policies.