The European Parliament discussed the future of the Western Balkans in the European Union, including the European Commission’s Report for 2025 on Bosnia and Herzegovina. The discussion showed that Bosnia and Herzegovina lags behind certain countries in the region, especially compared to Albania and Montenegro, which are making significant progress on the European path.
Montenegro leads the way
From once a technical process, the enlargement of the European Union has become a geopolitical issue. The European Parliament discussed the future of the region’s countries at a time when Brussels is trying to strengthen its influence in the region and speed up the integration of candidate countries.
Montenegro continues to stand out as the country that has advanced the furthest in negotiations with the European Union and is the closest candidate to membership.
“The report clearly shows that Montenegro is a leading candidate in the process of expanding the European Union, which is an important achievement and confirms that membership in the European Union is not a distant wish, but a realistic and achievable goal,” said Marjan Šarec, a representative of Renew Europe in the European Parliament.
Albania as an example of progress
Albania is presented as one of the more successful stories of the enlargement process. The need for additional strengthening of the protection of the environment, natural resources and animals, as well as the sustainable development of tourism, was particularly highlighted.
The reform progress of the country, which opened all negotiating clusters in the last 13 months, was praised.
“Albania is working together towards this goal – the government, civil society, social partners and numerous engaged citizens. That is why I am convinced that Albania has a chance to be the next success of European enlargement,” said Andreas Schieder, representative of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament.
Challenges for North Macedonia and Kosovo
The report for North Macedonia hints that the country’s progress is burdened by political issues that have been slowing down its European path for years, while Kosovo’s European perspective is still closely tied to the dialogue with Belgrade and the strengthening of institutions.
“In the state, there must be cooperation between the government and the opposition in order to implement reforms. There must also be a partnership with civil society because no one can implement reforms alone,” emphasized Thomas Waitz, representative of the Greens/European Free Alliance in the European Parliament.
“The dialogue between Pristina and Belgrade is constantly at a standstill, and that’s why we need a process that will allow it to continue. In addition to political will, a functional government is also needed,” said Riho Terras, a representative of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament.
Criticism of Bosnia and Herzegovina
When it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, numerous problems were highlighted during the discussion – from the turbulent past and complex political structure to slow reforms, dependence on outdated systems, vulnerability to external pressures and the inability of domestic political actors to reach an agreement on key issues.
Secessionist tendencies and a weak judicial system are also a problem.
“We share the will to lead that nation and citizens on the path to the European Union, but we cannot write homework for them. I am talking about the slow approach to reforms and perhaps the lack of will on the part of certain officials to do what they need to do. We cannot do it for them. We can help, give guidelines and show the way, but they are the ones who have to solve it,” said Ondrej Kolář, a representative of the European People’s Party in the European Parliament.
The debate on the future of the Western Balkans will continue tomorrow, when the representatives of the European Parliament will vote on reports and recommendations for the countries of the region.
The outcome of the vote will show what kind of messages Strasbourg is sending to the candidates for membership in the European Union.
