This book provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary analysis of the transformation of Western Balkan candidate countries as they move toward European Union (EU) accession. It assesses this multidimensional process as shaped both by reforms in the region and by developments within the EU itself. The volume examines enlargement credibility amid democratic backsliding, radical-right pressures, and debates on EU reform, alongside questions of strategic autonomy and authoritarian norm diffusion. It traces accession-driven change in public administration, regulatory capacity, the rule of law, and government–civil society relations.
The book also explores policy areas increasingly defining the accession agenda: migration as an institutional challenge; economic transformation supported by EU investment and efforts to reduce disparities and foster inclusive development; infrastructure as a catalyst for convergence; the intertwined digital and media transition; and climate and energy reforms required for alignment with the European Green Deal.
Together, the chapters offer an evidence-based evaluation of the impact, challenges, and limits of EU-driven transformation in the Western Balkans. This book is of key interest to scholars and students of EU studies and European integration, political science, international relations, and public policy.
Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Resilient transformation in the Western Balkans’ EU accession: An introductory framework Part I – Strategic Foundations and EU Credibility Chapter 2: The evolving nature of EU Conditionality: from Copenhagen to ‘fundamentals first’ Chapter 3: European strategic autonomy as a precondition for enlargement Chapter 4: Democratic backsliding in the EU: Implications for enlargement credibility Chapter 5: The rise of the radical right in the European Union: Implications for enlargement and the Western Balkans Chapter 6: The future of the EU: Scenarios for internal reform and credible enlargement Chapter 7: The EU and authoritarian norm diffusion in the Western Balkans Part II – Governance and Democratic Resilience Chapter 8: Public administration reform in the EU integration process of the Western Balkans Chapter 9: Regulatory impact assessment in the Western Balkans: A key to sustainable implementation of EU standards Chapter 10: The ex post rule of law conditionality and its implications for EU enlargement: Lessons for the Western Balkans Chapter 11: Transforming government - civil society relations for democratic resilience in the Western Balkans Chapter 12: Managing migration as an institutional challenge for Western Balkan countries: Past and present Part III – Economic, Digital and Green Transitions Chapter 13: The European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans: A vision for economic transformation Chapter 14: Social and economic disparities in the Western Balkans: Ensuring inclusive development Chapter 15: Infrastructure investment as a catalyst for economic transformation in the Western Balkans Chapter 16: EU digital and media policy in the Western Balkans Chapter 17: Advancing climate and energy reforms: Aligning the Western Balkans with the European Green Deal
About the Author :
Igor Vidačak is a full professor of European Union Politics at the Faculty of Political Science of the University of Zagreb and holder of the Jean Monnet Chair Active European Democratic Citizenship for Resilient Society. He also acts as Director of Studies for the Department of European Transformation and Integration Studies at the College of Europe in Tirana. As an international consultant, he led EU technical assistance projects that supported better governance and empowered civil society in countries of Southeastern Europe. During his experience in a leading position in the Croatian government, he initiated reforms of the standards and practices of public consultations and civic engagement in policymaking. His research focuses on civil society, interest groups, lobbying, democratic innovations and European politics.
Review :
Anyone interested in the conditions, characteristics and challenges of the Western Balkans’ accession to the EU will appreciate this thought-provoking collection.
- Christophe Hillion, Professor, University of Oslo
Bringing the Western Balkans within the European Union will make Europe stronger, safer, and more prosperous. It is more than a geopolitical imperative. It is a choice of conscience and a choice for society. This book offers a valuable and inspiring contribution to the intellectual and democratic drive to make it happen.
- Charles Michel, Former President of the European Council, Former Prime Minister of Belgium
