FINNISH EU PRESIDENCY AND THE ENLARGEMENT IN THE WESTERN BALKANS
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Spasov, Aleksandar Lj., Sinisalo, Samuli
Abstract
Enlargement is one of the flagship policies of the
European Union. The EU has been awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize for its transformative power to create
peace and stability, and these are still in great demand
in the Western Balkans.
The six Western Balkan countries have aspired to
become EU members for about 25 years, but the work
has not been completed. A realistic accession path
must be laid out for each of the WB countries.
The WB countries face individual challenges in their
development and with the EU. Windows of opportunity,
like the recent developments in Macedonia, must
be recognized and made use of. The EU Commission
strategy for the Western Balkans from 2018 is a good
start.
Finland will be the EU Chair on the second half of
2019. Finland should be prepared to pay attention
to EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, and
this should be reflected in the national program for
presidency.
European Union. The EU has been awarded the Nobel
Peace Prize for its transformative power to create
peace and stability, and these are still in great demand
in the Western Balkans.
The six Western Balkan countries have aspired to
become EU members for about 25 years, but the work
has not been completed. A realistic accession path
must be laid out for each of the WB countries.
The WB countries face individual challenges in their
development and with the EU. Windows of opportunity,
like the recent developments in Macedonia, must
be recognized and made use of. The EU Commission
strategy for the Western Balkans from 2018 is a good
start.
Finland will be the EU Chair on the second half of
2019. Finland should be prepared to pay attention
to EU enlargement in the Western Balkans, and
this should be reflected in the national program for
presidency.
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