Western Balkans – can do better
The article in the European Western Balkans has highlighted a reality regarding EU accession and corruption in the countries aiming to accede. The reality is that even though there has been significant money and energy aimed at the Western Balkans over the past decade; the results have been anemic at best. The governments in these countries have participated in box checking, while the EU turns a blind eye or in some cases makes minimal protests. The writer notes that “enforcement remains inconsistent and anti-corruption efforts are largely directed at the political opponents of the ruling elites. Unlike Ukraine’s wartime purge, where even Zelensky’s confidants face the music, the Balkans treat corruption as a survivable perk, not a disqualifier for EU dreams.” These are pretty damning statements, and they further reference the recent SELDI.net report, from the largest regional civil society anti-corruption initiative, which notes that domestic kleptocratic networks have thwarted EU-conditioned reforms, increased ties with China and Russia as well as monopolizing energy infrastructure, capturing media, and preventing freedom of expression and open civic protests.
Why should we care and what should be done? Obviously, it would seem very clear, similar to becoming fit, eat less and exercise more. In this case what is needed is for countries to take corruption seriously, ensure that anti-corruption measures are adhered to, and the EU should impose more sanctions and encourage better enforcement. The fact that a country at war, Ukraine, is doing better, is disturbing and should be a wake up call to the Western Balkan countries. At the same time, we must also expect more from the EU, and they must not produce “progress reports” which conceal impunity. And such impunity should lead to conditionality which must be applied consistently to both member states and candidates. We hope that this can lead to better actions by both groups.
Link:
https://europeanwesternbalkans.com/2025/12/04/a-wartime-lesson-the-balkans-and-brussels-must-heed/