Euro-Atlantic Integration of the Western Balkans: The Cases of Kosovo, North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

The Western Balkans is a multi-lingual and multi-religious area. It is very heterogeneous, but the countries share many characteristics and face similar challenges. The strategic importance of the region to the North Atlantic Alliance is well-documented. The primary objectives of the NATO in this region include the promotion of stability, security, and integration into the Euro-Atlantic community. The European Union has established the Stabilization and Association Mechanism for the Western Balkans. Since 2003, when the European perspective was recognised for Western Balkan partners, all countries have concluded a "Stabilization and Association Agreement", which sets out the general framework for their relations with the Union. This study will examine the results of the European Union's investment in peace and security, as well as the growing involvement of NATO in peacekeeping operations. A comparative analysis of the three countries is based on a comprehensive review of relevant documents, including the NATO and EU documents that establish the benchmarks for enlargement, the Copenhagen (1993) and Madrid (1995) criteria, the European Commission's annual enlargement packages, and interviews with government officials. The results of the study highlight the interactions and interdependencies between the analysed countries and their allies. Furthermore, the study offers significant insights into the varied levels of stability influenced by EU conditionality.