Challenges for EU Accession and the War Against Ukraine

Abstract

The war against Ukraine is not the first war on European soil after World War II, the wars of Yugoslav succession are often forgotten when today’s war is being discussed. But today’s war is not just a regional war: it has wider repercussions for overall security in Europe and beyond. At the same time, there is an important connection to the countries that have emerged from Yugoslavia. The quick offer of future EU membership for Ukraine and Moldova (and eventually Georgia) has resulted in mixed feelings in the Western Balkans, and many fear that the new candidates will get priority access to the EU. However, the possibility should also be considered that the geopolitical urgency to defend the new candidates against Russian influence may lead to new opportunities for the Western Balkan countries in the long term.