This introductory chapter provides an overview of the European Union (EU) enlargement process to the Western Balkans (WB), with a fo- cus on Chapter 22 of the Acquis (Regional policy). Firstly, it describes the process of adhesion of a new member and briefly examines the EU financial assistance to the WB countries. Subsequently, it draws attention to the assessment made by the European Commission of the progress of four candidate countries (Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) on Chapter 22 of the negotiations. According to the latest EU Enlargement package, the four countries are all “moderately prepared” on this Chapter, facing similar strengths and common challenges. Institutional and legislative frameworks are indeed aligned to EU standards, while understaffing and lack of administrative capacities hinder the advancements of the negotiations in this policy area.
Negotiations on Chapter 22 of the EU Acquis: State of the Art in Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia
Filippo Marinoni
2025
Abstract
This introductory chapter provides an overview of the European Union (EU) enlargement process to the Western Balkans (WB), with a fo- cus on Chapter 22 of the Acquis (Regional policy). Firstly, it describes the process of adhesion of a new member and briefly examines the EU financial assistance to the WB countries. Subsequently, it draws attention to the assessment made by the European Commission of the progress of four candidate countries (Albania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) on Chapter 22 of the negotiations. According to the latest EU Enlargement package, the four countries are all “moderately prepared” on this Chapter, facing similar strengths and common challenges. Institutional and legislative frameworks are indeed aligned to EU standards, while understaffing and lack of administrative capacities hinder the advancements of the negotiations in this policy area.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
