Contemporary Europe, particularly the central and eastern regions, grapples with multiple crises, among the most significant of which are the consequences of the Ukraine war and the increasing rise of irregular migration. One fundamental and deeply rooted challenge is the severe economic inequality and unjust distribution of wealth, confirmed by field evidence and statistics: the average per capita income of European countries varies by up to twenty times.
Nordic and Western European countries, with per capita incomes up to €40,000 annually, stand in stark contrast to countries like Albania and Moldova, where per capita income is sometimes limited to €4,000.
Another issue is the irreparable legacy of historical mistakes; the awkward geographical divisions created after the two World Wars in the twentieth century, formed without regard for ethnic, racial, national, and religious commonalities, have consistently provided a fertile ground for great powers to opportunistically pursue their hidden and overt objectives. Meanwhile, the Western Balkan countries await the fulfillment of Brussels' promises of European Union (EU) membership to not only gain easier access to the west of the continent but also to alleviate some of their existing security and geopolitical concerns.
The meeting of leaders from the six Western Balkan countries and the European Union, held on Wednesday, September 3rd, in Brussels, focused on several key issues: the normalization of relations between Kosovo and Serbia, sanctions against Russia and countering the consequences of the Ukraine war, and the European future of the Western Balkans.
Senior European officials stated the goals of these talks were to deepen political engagement with the region's countries, accelerate gradual integration with the EU, create an economic foundation for the future, mitigate the impact of Russian aggression, and strengthen the region's security and resilience.
The summit concluded with the adoption of a Joint Statement emphasizing the necessity of regional stability and the importance of normalizing Kosovo-Serbia relations. The statement supported the efforts of the EU High Representative and the EU Special Representative for the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina, expressing the expectation of constructive engagement from both sides to achieve rapid progress in normalizing relations. Such progress is vital for the security and stability of the entire region and to guarantee the European path for both parties.
Furthermore, Kosovo and Serbia were urged to fully implement the agreements reached in Brussels and Ohrid (North Macedonia) earlier this year, as well as all previous agreements, without delay or preconditions. The Joint Statement also called for the de-escalation of tensions in northern Kosovo, in line with EU requirements, and prohibited both parties from unilateral and uncoordinated actions that could fuel new violence. Simultaneously, it requested an end to rhetoric inconsistent with the normalization of relations.
In general, the EU underscored the importance of strengthening good neighborly relations, achieving sustainable solutions for bilateral disputes and issues rooted in the past legacy, and guaranteeing equal rights and treatment for minorities. From Brussels' perspective, given Russia's aggression against Ukraine and other security challenges, standing with the EU is a clear sign of the strategic orientation of regional partners, now more than ever.
In this context, the heads of the parliamentary commissions on international relations from 12 European countries issued a joint statement urging the EU to lift the restrictive measures against Kosovo and investigate the attack on the Kosovo police in the north on September 24th. Signed by the commission chairs of the UK, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Ireland, Belgium, Bulgaria, and Denmark, the statement was released on the eve of the EU-Western Balkans summit. Crucially, the attack on the Kosovo police by thirty armed men in Banjska, Zvečan, led by Milan Radoičić, former deputy leader of the Serb List party, on September 24th, represents a significant escalation. Had it not been for the skill and courage of the Kosovo police, the situation could have spiraled into a much wider escalation.
The EU is consistently focused on investing in multilateralism and cooperating with partners to protect and uphold the international order, seeking a shared vision for the future including common values and responsibilities. On the other hand, by deepening cooperation with its partners, it demands rapid and sustainable progress toward full alignment with the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including EU restrictive measures, and asks partners to act accordingly. It also commends countries that demonstrate full alignment with the EU's foreign policy and their strategic commitment, especially on the issue of sanctions against Russia. Currently, Serbia is the only country in the Western Balkans that has not joined the sanctions against Russia. This stems from the Kremlin's support for Belgrade's claims over Kosovo.
Overall, Brussels is concerned about the intensification of Russian activities and influence in the Western Balkans, particularly in Serbia and Bosnia. By emphasizing that European security remains threatened in an increasingly complex geostrategic environment, shadowed by the Russia-Ukraine conflict and influenced by the Middle East crisis, the EU stresses the importance of unity within the European family and the strategic partnership between the EU and the Western Balkans region.
In summary, although the EU constantly reaffirms its full and unequivocal commitment to the membership prospect of the Western Balkan countries and calls for an acceleration of the accession process based on credible reforms and the principle of merit, which is mutually beneficial, and acknowledges that EU enlargement is a geostrategic investment for peace, security, stability, and prosperity, the accession process for the Western Balkan countries has practically been held captive by delaying tactics. Since 2005, negotiations and efforts by countries like Albania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia, Montenegro, and others have not resulted in EU membership.
In any case, the scars of old wounds and ethnic and religious animosities in the region continue to influence the political and social situation and have consistently served as a tool for external powers to intervene and compete. Simultaneously, Turkey, as one of the surrounding countries, is systematically deepening its influence and comprehensive activities in the Western Balkans with a clear and coherent plan.
Ali Beman Eghbali Zarch, Head of the Eurasia Studies Group
(The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the IPIS)