Challenges and Regional Approaches in the Context of EU Integration

The Western Balkans remain central to the European Union’s enlargement policy, yet progress on reforms in rule of law, democratic governance, anti-corruption, and human rights remains uneven. Despite efforts to align legal frameworks with EU standards, systemic challenges persist across the region, such as political interference in the judiciary, stagnation in legislation implementation, electoral irregularities, and weak institutional capacities to tackle corruption and protect vulnerable groups.

These shortcomings directly undermine judicial independence, functioning of democratic institutions, and citizens’ trust in public processes. Political polarization and a lack of honest regional cooperation further exacerbate delays, while civil society organizations (CSOs) and journalists face increasing restrictions, including SLAPP lawsuits and legislative barriers. Human rights protections for marginalized groups—particularly Roma, LGBTIQ individuals, and women—are insufficiently enforced, and gender-based violence remains pervasive despite legal frameworks.

The EU’s enhanced conditionality and instruments such as the Reform and Growth Plan provide an opportunity for accelerated reforms, but only if funding is tied to measurable implementation rather than legal adoption alone. Without tangible progress on judicial independence, anti-corruption enforcement, and democratic stability, the region risks stagnating further, jeopardizing both EU integration prospects and citizens’ fundamental rights.

Moving forward, a harmonized regional approach is essential. The EU must insist on concrete reforms, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and prioritize protections for civil society and media freedom, by adding the regional dimension to these areas. At the same time, CSOs should collaborate regionally to monitor reforms, advocate for independent institutions, and continue in join efforts to defend human rights. Failing to act risks the potential of corruptive elements from one region country to easily spread to other countries, therefore deepening public disillusionment and reinforcing systemic weaknesses that hinder the region’s democratic transformation and EU alignment.

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