The Western Balkans in the Present and Future of EU Enlargement
The Western Balkans in the Present and Future of EU Enlargement

Summary/Abstract: The purpose of this article is to analyze the evolution of the European Union's enlargement policy towards the Western Balkan countries, with a particular focus on geopolitical and institutional challenges in the period from 2010 to 2025. The research question was posed about the limitations and potential of the EU's enlargement policy towards the Western Balkans in the context of growing geopolitical rivalry and increasing fatigue with the accession process. The hypothesis that the existing model of conditionality, despite its previous effectiveness, is now proving inadequate in the face of new challenges, requiring reforms on the part of both the European Union and the candidate countries, was verified. The analysis was based on European Commission reports, scientific literature and expert studies. The article argues for the need to develop a more flexible, multi-level integration mechanism that will enable the effective implementation of reforms and the realization of the EU's strategic interests.

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