On Tuesday, European Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi presented the 2020 Enlargement Package and the Economic and Investment Plan for the Western Balkans. 

The annual Enlargement Package features individual country reports as well as assessments on the implementation of EU enlargement policy, evaluation of key political and economic reforms, and recommendations for each country. The investment programme for the Western Balkans aims to boost economic growth in the region, including through energy, transport, green and digital policies. For now, the main focus lies in assisting the region’s recovery from the health and economic crises. 

The European Commission has been intensifying its efforts to reinvigorate the enlargement process for the Western Balkans. Earlier this year, in the wake of the pandemic, the European Council decided to support the opening of accession negotiations with Albania and North Macedonia. 

Key Texts

• European Commission: 2020 Communication on EU enlargement policy; Enhancing the accession process (February 2020)
• European Movement Albania: “Evolving or Revolving: Institutional reforms and democratic legitimacy in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro”
• European Movement Serbia: “Regional cooperation in the Western Balkans – is there a civil society pillar?”

Upcoming Dates

• 7-9 October: Commissioner Várhelyi expects to visit the region and presents the Report and the Investment Plan. 
• October 2020: Belgrade Security Forum
• November 2020: Western Balkans Summit in Sofia

The European Movement International position

The European Movement International unequivocally supports the enlargement process. As we argue in our policy position on “Regaining the enlargement momentum”, enlargement fosters regional cooperation, leads to more democratic societies, more citizens’ rights and freedoms, as well as peace and stability in prospective member countries. It can strengthen countries’ positions on the international stage and enhances the wellbeing and living standards of citizens. The enlargement process should continue at a pace appropriate both for the EU and the candidate countries, respecting strict, fair conditionality and the provisions outlined in the Copenhagen Criteria.

The countries and citizens of the Western Balkans have proven to be firm believers in the European project. As we point out in our policy position on “Promoting peace, stability and investment in the Western Balkans”, enhanced cooperation, investment and funding in the region can improve citizens’ living conditions and reduce inequalities in the region. Moreover, and to shape a sustainable environmental future, all regional actors need to cooperate with each other and with neighbouring countries to tackle key challenges such as pollution and health issues, climate change impacts, and ecosystem threats.