engleski

Beyond Enlargement: EU and Southeastern Europe

The stage of relations between the EU and the countries of Central and Eastern Europe opens some questions and dilemmas regarding the future for other European regions. Therefore, it is important to assess the integration prospects not only of the candidate countries that did not manage to join the EU in the first enlargement wave (Bulgaria and Romania), but also for the countries of Southeastern Europe covered with Stabilisation and Association Process (SAP). The lecture raised the following questions: what are the chances of most advanced countries of the region to become candidates for the EU enlargement ; can the SAP provide a bridge between stabilisation and association ; and to what extent is the EU ready to establish a link between the SAP and enlargement at this stage. The long-term success of the SAP will depend on the extent to which it will be able to generate new candidates. It is important for all parties of the Process: for the most advanced countries of the region (like Croatia) as a confirmation that they are on the right path with their reforms, for the remaining SEE countries giving them a clear signal on future perspectives once they make necessary internal changes, as well for the EU as a real confirmation for the credibility of the Process. Apart from applying criteria for integration based upon individual capabilities and achievements, it is important and necessary to provide relevant additional mechanisms for facilitating the implementation of the obligations undertaken in the SAA.

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