What to Expect from the Hungarian EU Presidency in the Western Balkans?
What to Expect from the Hungarian EU Presidency in the Western Balkans?

Summary/Abstract: The article demonstrates that Hungarian policy towards the Western Balkans is certainly more than empty rhetoric as Hungarian support in the EU bodies has been critical at difficult moments and contributed to turning the tide in favor of the countries aiming for membership in the Euro-Atlantic structures. Thus, Hungary can be expected to remain a true ally of the candidates and potential candidates during its presidency-term. Yet, most likely, there will be no ‘big push’ in the Western Balkans coming from the Hungarian presidency in terms of launching some kind of new dynamic targeting the region. There is no indication of an emerging new vision or the existence of creative ideas as to how to tackle present challenges related to enlargement; would it be Croatia’s difficult chapters, the bilateral debate paralyzing Macedonia’s accession process or the problem of how to put Bosnia on the accession path. Nevertheless, Hungary can be counted on to keep enlargement on track as much as a presidency can control and influence the process.

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