In light of the economic crisis and recent geopolitical events, the European Commission identified several key challenges faced by the Western Balkans and Turkey, which address five fundamental issues: economic governance and competitiveness; rule of law; the proper functioning of the EU institutions as guarantors of democracy; fundamental rights; and, in the case of the Western Balkans, bilateral issues and overcoming the tragic legacy of the past. Good neighbourly relations and regional cooperation are also noted as essential requirements for the Stabilisation and Association Process in the wider region.

The latest major achievement of the EC enlargement strategy was granting Albania candidate status on 24 June 2014, a crucial step forward in EU-Albania relations, and the result of notable progress in the Albanian European integration process and implementation of necessary reforms. The second success of 2014 included the establishment of the negotiating framework with Serbia during the first intergovernmental conference which took place on 21 January.

In other achievements Montenegro continued making progress on its EU-path, opening 5 additional negotiation chapters. A political agreement with FYR of Macedonia was reached on 1 March, enabling the return of all MPs to the parliament, organisation of local elections, continuation of relevant reforms, as well as straightforward commitment to the Euro-Atlantic agenda. This also enabled the establishment of a Committee of Inquiry, which proposed changes to the parliament´s rules of procedure, which will help open up a fair dialogue with journalists. The Commission has planned to open accession negotiations with FYR of Macedonia once the dispute with Greece over the use of the country´s official name, Macedonia, is resolved.

A big step on the Turkish EU path was noted with the opening of chapter 22 and the next major step is the opening of chapters 23 and 24 of the acquis. To date (July 2014), 14 negotiation chapters remain opened, but negotiations were blocked on 8 chapters of the EU acquis, due to the Turkish government´s refusal to implement a trade pact with the EU, which requires Turkey to allow Greek Cypriot vessels to use its air and sea ports. In order to proceed with the accession process, full implementation of the Additional Protocol, normalisation of relations with Cyprus and a comprehensive settlement of the so called “Cyprus issue” between Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities under the auspices of the United Nations are required. Kosovo remains a potential EU candidate country.

However, with the opening of negotiations for a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) in October 2013, expected to be concluded by the end of 2014, a significant step was made towards the country’s EU integration. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the process of European integration is claimed to be at a standstill in the country due to a lack of political will. The country has to implement the Sejdic-Finci judgment of the European Court of Human Rights before it can move further on its path towards the EU. If BiH manages to achieve positive results, the Stabilization and Association Agreement can come into force and therefore open the country’s path to a credible membership application.