A policy paper, published by IDSC, the Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” – Skopje, finds that the Western Balkans are a compelling place for the EU to begin exercising the role of a strategically autonomous actor. The COVID-19 crisis has provided EU member states with a new-found sense of solidarity, with initiatives such as “Corona bonds” by France and Germany. Given the intended trajectory of Western Balkan states to work towards EU accession, the report suggests the EU must recognise the strategic importance of the region as a bargaining chip in the accession process and as an important determinant of European strategic autonomy. The collection of policy papers demonstrate how the relationship between the EU and Western Balkan can strengthen in the face of challenges by using a joint effort between European and national institutions. Read more here.
Source: Institute for Democracy “Societas Civilis” – Skopje