Ignorance about European Integration
If we were to conduct a survey on the streets of Barcelona, it is likely that many citizens would not be able to distinguish between Serbia and Croatia in terms of their membership in the European Union. While most remember the events of the Balkan War, few seem to be interested in the evolution of these countries in the current European scenario.
Repercussions of the Ukraine War
With the ongoing war in Ukraine and the possibility of a US intervention, Serbia’s future integration into the EU seems increasingly distant. Unlike Croatia, which is already a member of the Union, Serbia still faces numerous challenges to achieve membership.
A Recent Analysis on the Balkans
The magazine Idees recently presented an issue dedicated to the Balkans, coordinated by two renowned academics in this field: Ruth Ferrero-Turrión and Ioannis Armakolas. The event, which took place in El Born, was moderated by journalist Teresa Turiera-Puigbò and provided a platform to discuss the current situation in the Balkans.
Current Challenges
With the international landscape having radically changed, Armakolas noted that resolving conflicts in the region is more complicated now than it was two decades ago. The influence of the West has diminished, leaving a vacuum that other powers are exploiting.
Citizens’ Perception
Citizens in the Western Balkans experience a sense of distrust towards the EU, and populist parties could capitalize on this skepticism. Ferrero-Turrión highlights that, unlike the experiences of Spain and Greece in their accession, the Balkans are facing a democratic setback.
The Need for a Social Model
Furthermore, the Balkan countries have not clearly defined the social model they want to follow once they are integrated into the EU. The demographic deficit is another worrying factor, with many young people leaving the region in search of better opportunities in Europe.
Looking Towards the Future
Armakolas predicts that the integration of Serbia and other Balkan countries could take as many years as they did under communist rule. The World Bank has predicted that the living standards of these countries will not approach those of their European neighbors until 2062.
The Case of Bosnia
The situation in Bosnia is particularly alarming, as the effects of the war are still palpable. Young people do not remember the horrors of the conflict of the 1990s, and this can lead to the glorification of controversial figures from recent history.
Final Reflections
The complexity of the path to European integration for the Balkans is undeniable. The combination of political, social and economic factors continues to shape the future of these countries, which need a renewed approach to address their challenges and aspirations.