The western Balkans and the EU: the probable dream of membership
The western Balkans and the EU: the probable dream of membership

Summary/Abstract: This article is provoked by a recent study gauging the possible implications of the initiatives promoted by the European Union (EU) in South-East Europe by Qerim Qerimi, published on the pages of this journal. However, his research provides a rather truncated investigation and he seems to skim on the surface of the EUropeanisation problematique without providing the requisite analysis and context of EU-Balkan relations. As a result, Qerimi overlooks the distinct socialisation dynamic initiated by the EU in the region. The present study attempts to rectify some of the methodological (and also conceptual) shortcomings of Qerimi’s work. It concentrates on the membership perspectives being offered by the EU to the western Balkans. For this purpose, this article premises its analysis on the primary sources – relevant EU documents – in order to provide (it is hoped) better-informed conclusions. The definition for the Balkans / south-east Europe, which it employs, is preconditioned by the EUropeanisation dynamic that is in progress in the region at present. It includes the countries that are currently involved in association and accession activities with the so-called Euro-Atlantic organisations (i.e. the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO)).

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