Serbia and North Macedonia are rethinking EU membership, exploring alternatives that promise economic benefits without the EU’s demands. While the EU has promoted integration with the Western Balkans—most recently through the Berlin Process summit and a 6 billion EUR growth plan—progress remains mixed. North Macedonia’s path has stalled due to Bulgaria’s constitutional demands, while Serbia’s balancing of relationships with China, Russia, and EU countries suggests a non-EU path that’s gaining appeal. This shift risks leaving the Western Balkans in prolonged uncertainty, heightening interethnic tensions, particularly in North Macedonia, and challenging the EU’s influence in the region. Frustration with EU delays has led both countries to consider alliances with Hungary and China as alternative pathways, adding complexity to regional dynamics. Without progress toward EU integration, the Western Balkans may struggle to find a stable path forward, impacting both regional stability and the EU’s long-term interests. Read more here.
Source: Carnegie