The Yugoslav Successor States on their Way to European Integration: Lessons from Previous Enlargements and Ongoing Conflicts
The Yugoslav Successor States on their Way to European Integration: Lessons from Previous Enlargements and Ongoing Conflicts

Summary/Abstract: With the 2004, 2007 and 2013 enlargements, the European Union has taken a far reaching effort in (re-)uniting the post-Cold War continent. Not only did many countries of East, Central and Eastern Europe become members, but with Slovenia and Croatia two successor states of former Yugoslavia have gained full access to the EU. Another three former Yugoslav States are on the list of candidates, namely Montenegro, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Serbia. Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo fall under the category of potential candidate countries. However, with ongoing ethnic and political tensions in the Western Balkan region, the path to EU accession for the six remaining countries has to be laid down carefully. This paper will discuss the lessons learned from previous enlargements with regards to the subsequent consequences for the negotiations between (potential) candidates of the Western Balkans and members.

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