A new analysis by the European Movement in Serbia outlines the multiple initiatives driving the Western Balkans’ gradual integration into the EU Single Market. While the EU Growth Plan (2024–2027) provides a key financial and policy framework, the report stresses that regional efforts such as the Common Regional Market (CRM) and CEFTA remain vital for advancing the four freedoms. The study highlights complementary instruments, including Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, the Connecting Europe Facility, and COSME, as essential tools in this process. However, it also underscores that civil society faces structural limitations in monitoring and advocating for transparency and reform due to shrinking civic space, weak institutional cooperation, and persistent financial instability. Strengthening CSO participation in shaping and tracking market integration is framed as a critical component for ensuring democratic accountability and sustained reform. Read more here.
Source: European Policy Institute
