THE EU - BALKANS ENLARGEMENT PROCESS DEADLOCK: THE ROLE OF PERCEPTIONS, STABILITOCRACY, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The EU enlargement process has its dynamics throughout the years that still keep some of Balkan countries outside of its borders. Starting point for this analysis is perception matters. Hence, it aims to better understand the critical events from the history of interactions between EU and western part of Balkans that shaped the mutual perception that keep Balkan countries located in western part of the region away from the EU. The article will analyze both sides, the EU, and the countries of western part of Balkans. First, it argues that the policy of the EU enlargement with western Balkan has deep roots in history. Hence, we will identify manifests that shaped EU’s perceptions towards that region of Balkans. It will identify building blocks for enlargement resistance. Second, will scrutinize the unwillingness of the Balkan political elites to comply with accession criteria. Further, it will examine the internal regional manifests that contribute to the EU’s perception and undermine development and prosperity. Many regional politicians have mastered to talk the EU talk without delivering any genuine results. It will identify building blocks of stabilitocracy. At the end, it will give recommendations that are implied from the stalled process. Since EU membership is first responsibility than a privilege, priority should be given to what western Balkan countries can do for themselves. Only after they can attract the EU interests to open enlargement again.