THE BALKANS: ROAD TO EU ACCESSION
THE BALKANS: ROAD TO EU ACCESSION

Summary/Abstract: The origins of the European Union (EU) date back to the 14th and 15th centuries. During this period, European countries sought to end their conflicts, form an economic union, and create a supranational organization that would facilitate the unrestricted movement of goods, people, and capital. Initially, the EU was established as the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) with six member states. It later became a global entity with 28 members after Croatia joined in 2013. The EU's expansion strategies can be pursued through both economic and political means. The Balkan region, located on the border of the EU countries, serves as a vital energy route for the EU and provides for the security of the EU member states. The importance of the Balkan region becomes clear when examining the fifth and sixth enlargements of the EU, which included candidate countries from this region. This study will examine the historical development of the EU and its interactions with the Balkan countries through the lens of the EU's enlargement policies.

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