This book systematically assesses the multidimensional nature of this transformation by critically evaluating the transformative potential of EU enlargement policy across key dimensions - governance, rule of law, democracy, economic alignment, environmental and digital modernisation, regional cooperation, and security challenges.
This book provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary analysis of the transformation process of Western Balkan candidate countries as they move toward European Union (EU) accession. It systematically assesses the multidimensional nature of this transformation by critically evaluating the transformative potential of EU enlargement policy across key dimensions - governance, rule of law, democracy, economic alignment, environmental and digital modernisation, regional cooperation, and security challenges. Leading scholars and practitioners offer an evidence-based perspective on the impact, challenges, and limitations of the EU-driven transformation and valuable new resource material for scholars and researchers in EU studies, political science, international relations, and European integration.
Arvustused
Anyone interested in the conditions, characteristics and challenges of the Western Balkans accession to the EU will appreciate this thought-provoking collection.
- Christophe Hillion, Professor, University of Oslo
Bringing the Western Balkans within the European Union will make Europe stronger, safer, and more prosperous. It is more than a geopolitical imperative. It is a choice of conscience and a choice for society. This book offers a valuable and inspiring contribution to the intellectual and democratic drive to make it happen.
- Charles Michel, Former President of the European Council, Former Prime Minister of Belgium
Chapter 1: Resilient transformation in the Western Balkans EU
accession: An introductory framework Part I Strategic Foundations and EU
Credibility
Chapter 2: The evolving nature of EU Conditionality: from
Copenhagen to fundamentals first
Chapter 3: European strategic autonomy as
a precondition for enlargement
Chapter 4: Democratic backsliding in the EU:
Implications for enlargement credibility
Chapter 5: The rise of the radical
right in the European Union: Implications for enlargement and the Western
Balkans
Chapter 6: The future of the EU: Scenarios for internal reform and
credible enlargement
Chapter 7: The EU and authoritarian norm diffusion in
the Western Balkans Part II Governance and Democratic Resilience
Chapter 8:
Public administration reform in the EU integration process of the Western
Balkans
Chapter 9: Regulatory impact assessment in the Western Balkans: A key
to sustainable implementation of EU standards
Chapter 10: The ex post rule of
law conditionality and its implications for EU enlargement: Lessons for the
Western Balkans
Chapter 11: Transforming government - civil society relations
for democratic resilience in the Western Balkans
Chapter 12: Managing
migration as an institutional challenge for Western Balkan countries: Past
and present Part III Economic, Digital and Green Transitions
Chapter 13:
The European Unions Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: A vision for
economic transformation
Chapter 14: Social and economic disparities in the
Western Balkans: Ensuring inclusive development
Chapter 15: Infrastructure
investment as a catalyst for economic transformation in the Western Balkans
Chapter 16: EU digital and media policy in the Western Balkans
Chapter 17:
Advancing climate and energy reforms: Aligning the Western Balkans with the
European Green Deal
Igor Vidaak is a full professor of European Union politics at the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb, and holder of the Jean Monnet Chair Active European Democratic Citizenship for Resilient Society. He also acts as Director of Studies of the European Transformation and Integration Studies at the College of Europe in Tirana. As an international consultant, he led EU technical assistance projects that supported better governance and empowered civil society in countries of Southeastern Europe. During his experience in a leading position in the Croatian government, he initiated reforms of the standards and practices of public consultations and civic engagement in policymaking. His research focuses on civil society, interest groups, lobbying, democratic innovations, and European politics.
